The ability to create a vision for ourselves is one of our greatest gifts in life. Isn’t it a beautiful thing – to have the capacity to dream up the most exciting scenario you can possibly imagine… and then to be cast as the lead character in the epic journey toward becoming that vision?
I urge you to create the grandest possible vision for yourself, which should encompass everything you love to do and wish to do. Don’t let others tell you that it is impossible (they’re not your friends anyway). Don’t let your self tell you it is impossible, either. Then, with the help of these small steps, your vision will transform from a lofty dream to a tangible future.
1. Set Periodic Intentions
Along the way to embodying the vision you have created for yourself, it's important to set intentions that realistically fit into your now. Keeping your intentions top-of-mind is the key to overcoming the obstacles that will come up along your journey. By calling to the forefront of your mind what your soul is needing most, setting intentions also keeps your vision in line with your deepest values. Intentions ensure your vision is based on what you desire, not on what someone else wants for you.
Intentions also provide an opportunity for you to find the beauty in the present moment, even in the midst of working toward your longer-term vision. When intentions are set, doors will open (and remember, intentions are different than goals).
2. Create a Vision Board
A friend of mine told me the other day that she has vision board parties. What is a vision board party, you ask? Far from witchcraft, it is essentially a magazine-cut-out extravaganza, where you splice together images that represent the vision you have for yourself over the next month (or even year). It may sound like child’s play, but putting the cutouts together gives a physical presence to your vision, making it more clear and tangible. Once your vision is actually a visual, it will start the climb upward from your subconscious to your conscious mind.
3. Discover Yoga
Yoga has the power to uncover all of the surface level layers that blanket your true self and your true purpose. With a regular practice, we can discover our inherent nature. As yoga instructor Steve Ross said on a recent retreat, “In real yoga, nothing remains hidden. Our practice reveals everything.” Yoga will help to ensure that your vision aligns with who you are, rather than who you were or hope to be. Even your yoga mat can serve as an analogy for the vision you have for your self and your life – great things can be achieved in the small space you fill.
4. Remove Any Obstacles in the Way of Your Vision
Simplifying life is one of the most important factors in turning your vision into reality. Try thinking in terms of “less, less, less,” because achieving a vision is much more difficult when you are distracted with elements of life that weigh you down or hold you back.
Tell everyone you know, and everyone you meet, about the grand vision you have for yourself. Don’t make a joke of it. Don’t write it off as something that may not happen. Giving your vision a voice – particularly a confident voice – gives it a physical, unquestionable presence in your life.
Communicating your vision turns feelings into facts and hopes into goals.
6. Take Action
It may seem simple and obvious, but to do great things, a giant leap out of your comfort zone will be required. Achieving a vision means making a list, keeping it short, and getting it done. Taking action toward making your vision a reality probably means you will feel uncomfortable at some point(s) along the way, but remember – temporary darkness makes space for the light to flood in.
“You can only become accomplished at something you truly love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and do them so well, people can’t take their eyes off of you.” Maya Angelou
©Emily Hudson
I urge you to create the grandest possible vision for yourself, which should encompass everything you love to do and wish to do. Don’t let others tell you that it is impossible (they’re not your friends anyway). Don’t let your self tell you it is impossible, either. Then, with the help of these small steps, your vision will transform from a lofty dream to a tangible future.
1. Set Periodic Intentions
Along the way to embodying the vision you have created for yourself, it's important to set intentions that realistically fit into your now. Keeping your intentions top-of-mind is the key to overcoming the obstacles that will come up along your journey. By calling to the forefront of your mind what your soul is needing most, setting intentions also keeps your vision in line with your deepest values. Intentions ensure your vision is based on what you desire, not on what someone else wants for you.
Intentions also provide an opportunity for you to find the beauty in the present moment, even in the midst of working toward your longer-term vision. When intentions are set, doors will open (and remember, intentions are different than goals).
2. Create a Vision Board
A friend of mine told me the other day that she has vision board parties. What is a vision board party, you ask? Far from witchcraft, it is essentially a magazine-cut-out extravaganza, where you splice together images that represent the vision you have for yourself over the next month (or even year). It may sound like child’s play, but putting the cutouts together gives a physical presence to your vision, making it more clear and tangible. Once your vision is actually a visual, it will start the climb upward from your subconscious to your conscious mind.
3. Discover Yoga
Yoga has the power to uncover all of the surface level layers that blanket your true self and your true purpose. With a regular practice, we can discover our inherent nature. As yoga instructor Steve Ross said on a recent retreat, “In real yoga, nothing remains hidden. Our practice reveals everything.” Yoga will help to ensure that your vision aligns with who you are, rather than who you were or hope to be. Even your yoga mat can serve as an analogy for the vision you have for your self and your life – great things can be achieved in the small space you fill.
4. Remove Any Obstacles in the Way of Your Vision
Simplifying life is one of the most important factors in turning your vision into reality. Try thinking in terms of “less, less, less,” because achieving a vision is much more difficult when you are distracted with elements of life that weigh you down or hold you back.
- Perhaps it is time to release any relationships that no longer serve you.
- Drop those restraints or limits you put on yourself. A vision is more easily achieved when you become your own best friend.
- Get rid of any extra material goods that represent the past. They are bricks tied to your vision!
Tell everyone you know, and everyone you meet, about the grand vision you have for yourself. Don’t make a joke of it. Don’t write it off as something that may not happen. Giving your vision a voice – particularly a confident voice – gives it a physical, unquestionable presence in your life.
Communicating your vision turns feelings into facts and hopes into goals.
6. Take Action
It may seem simple and obvious, but to do great things, a giant leap out of your comfort zone will be required. Achieving a vision means making a list, keeping it short, and getting it done. Taking action toward making your vision a reality probably means you will feel uncomfortable at some point(s) along the way, but remember – temporary darkness makes space for the light to flood in.
“You can only become accomplished at something you truly love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and do them so well, people can’t take their eyes off of you.” Maya Angelou
©Emily Hudson
