When was the last time you got intentional with a vision about what you wanted out of your life? New Year’s Resolution? After a transition? After something painful had occurred in your life? Living with a vision is challenging for me, because I’m so easily distracted by ideas or family or even what is going on in the world. I say yes to things I wish I hadn’t said yes to and wonder about why I say no to other things. That’s why I’m so excited about creating space for myself and other women to explore the power of vision. It’s time to get intentional about what is possible in our lives. How do you harness the power of a vision?
Create a visual representation of your vision
By taking the time to dream and get real about your vision, you can create a visual representation on what you believe would be best for you, your family, your work, your life. By this belief and faith in God, you put in motion expectations of what could be possible. It doesn’t mean you’ll get everything you desire. However it puts your brain and heart on alert for possibilities.
Commit to praying over your vision
As you pray over this vision, God promises
“Your ears will hear sweet words behind you: “Go this way. There is your path; this is how you should go” whenever you must decide whether to turn to the right or the left. Isaiah 30: 21.
I am so grateful to have that small voice whispering in my ear as I move forward.
Remember to share your vision slowly and wisely
Sometimes, vision takes a while to develop, like a tender shoot coming out of the ground. Choose wisely how and when you will share your vision and with whom. You want the support of community, yet you don’t want to have to defend your God-given vision. Pray about who will be on your vision team and how and when to share it. Waiting can be part of the development.
Keep visualizing the future you want
What does your vision look like, feel like, sound like? This is based on brain science and used often in sports training.
According to scientific studies, when you visualize an action, you stimulate the same brain regions as when you actually perform that action. What brain regions do you need to stimulate?
Visualization has also been shown to improve high jumpers clearing the bar! That’s how we can put our hearts over the bar first. Lead with your heart and brain.
Let your vision set your boundaries for daily living
As you get clear on your vision, you will then know what to say yes to in your days and weeks to come. You gain clarity on how to live your life. More importantly, vision lets you feel comfortable with what to say no to as well. It frees you from guilt, overbooked calendars (almost) and frenzied living.
With these five steps in mind, you’ll begin to see your vision unfold. Watch for where God is at work in your vision and join Him. I would love to have you join us for our vision board workshop on January 21st. Contact me at nancy@nancyboothcoaching.com for more information. I still have a couple of spaces left. Last day to register is January 17. However, I would also love to hear how your vision is unfolding and how you’re letting your heart lead. Post in the comments below or on my Nancy Booth Coaching facebook page. Let’s harness the power of vision together.
Author’s note: Check out the podcast at Professional Christian Coaching Today “Crafting a Vision Statement” for more great ideas. Also check “The Complete Guide to Vision Boards.” Thanks to Christine Kane, Christopher McCluskey and Kim Avery for their ideas used in this article.
Nancy Booth is a certified life coach and certified brain-based coach. She loves creating safe spaces for women going through life’s transitions to discover and support their visions for health and well-being in an overwhelming world, explore possibilities for next steps and find hope. She writes about taming the overwhelm and reducing stress, looking for ways to motivate, energize and inspire you! You can sign up to receive her weekly blog or contact her to find out ways you can begin to shed overwhelm and stress. It’s time to explore possibilities of new relationships, better life pacing and gain hope and peace.