Building a Vision on a Prayer – ‘With Faith all things are possible’

In life, the first dream of each of us is to own a sense of ‘why’ we were born. The second that follows is usually a deep desire to own a knowing of ‘what’ our purpose of being here is and finally we all go through the question of ‘how’ will be able to accomplish any of the above.

Many of us on this planet have goals that arrive in our hearts through different paths; some land through parental direction that we surrender to, others land in our minds through a vision. The latter is the one that we are going to expand on here today.

Then, there is the ‘visionary’.
Now that kind of person is a breed all of her own!

What is a ‘vision’?

Defined broadly, a visionary, is one who can envision the future.

In spirituality, a vision is something seen in a dream, trance, or ecstasy, especially a supernatural appearance that conveys a revelation.

Visions generally have more clarity than dreams, but traditionally fewer psychological connotations. The psychological mechanism to engender visionary perception and trance phenomena is focused intention and attention.

The ‘vision’ is an experience that can be very confusing, frightening or inspiring. To those that do not take the time to work on understanding a vision usually feel a sense of confusion and walk away. Others can be immediately overwhelmed as the image offers way too much of something, success, joy, etc. and this leads them into a state of fear, also driving them to ignore it and walk away.

This third woman embraces a vision and proceeds to Take Action in any and all ways possible to arrive dead center inside that place, regardless of what is involved. These people are the ones that are willing to truly have the original questions of their lives answered and trust that a vision is direction for the fulfillment in their purpose of life.

If you are ones of the latter, below are 10 steps to guide you through the labrynth of challenges, fears and obstacles that you will have to rise above; by using these 10 strategies you can get the mental edge you need to reach your potential.

1. Dress Sharp – You feel the way you Look

Although clothes don’t make the man, they certainly affect the way he feels about himself. No one is more conscious of your physical appearance than you are. When you don’t look good, it changes the way you carry yourself and interact with other people. Use this to your advantage by taking care of your personal appearance. In most cases, significant improvements can be made by bathing and shaving frequently, wearing clean clothes, and being cognizant of the latest styles.

This doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot on clothes. One great rule to follow is “spend twice as much, buy half as much”. Rather than buying a bunch of cheap clothes, buy half as many select, high quality items. In long run this decreases spending because expensive clothes wear out less easily and stay in style longer than cheap clothes. Buying less also helps reduce the clutter in your closet.

2. Walk Faster – Exercise gives blood to the brain, you think more clearly

One of the easiest ways to tell how a person feels about herself is to examine her walk. Is it slow? tired? painful? Or is it energetic and purposeful? People with confidence walk quickly. They have places to go, people to see, and important work to do. Even if you aren’t in a hurry, you can increase your self confidence by putting some pep in your step. Walking 25% faster will make to you look and feel more important.

3. Good Posture – Takes away physical back pain, allowing positive mood to flourish

Similarly, the way a person carries herself tells a story. People with slumped shoulders and lethargic movements display a lack of self confidence. They aren’t enthusiastic about what they’re doing and they don’t consider themselves important. By practicing good posture, you’ll automatically feel more confident. Stand up straight, keep your head up, and make eye contact. You’ll make a positive impression on others and instantly feel more alert and empowered.

4. Personal Commercial – Remind yourself daily of what you CAN DO

One of the best ways to build confidence is listening to a motivational speech. Unfortunately, opportunities to listen to a great speaker are few and far between. You can fill this need by creating a personal commercial. Write a 30-60 second speech that highlights your strengths and goals. Then recite it in front of the mirror aloud (or inside your head if you prefer) whenever you need a confidence boost.

5. Gratitude – Being thankful for what you DO HAVE builds positive attitude

When you focus too much on what you want, the mind creates reasons why you can’t have it. This leads you to dwell on your weaknesses. The best way to avoid this is consciously focusing on gratitude. Set aside time each day to mentally list everything you have to be grateful for. Recall your past successes, unique skills, loving relationships, and positive momentum. You’ll be amazed how much you have going for you and motivated to take that next step towards success.

6. Compliment other people – Being sincere can improve listening skills, which in turn opens opportunities you may have never seen before

When we think negatively about ourselves, we often project that feeling on to others in the form of insults and gossip. To break this cycle of negativity, get in the habit of praising other people. Refuse to engage in backstabbing gossip and make an effort to compliment those around you. In the process, you’ll become well liked and build self confidence. By looking for the best in others, you indirectly bring out the best in yourself.

7. Sit in the front row – Pretend you are really interested in more than just yourself, as they do say one can ‘fake it until you make it’

In schools, offices, and public assemblies around the world, people constantly strive to sit at the back of the room. Most people prefer the back because they’re afraid of being noticed. This reflects a lack of self confidence. By deciding to sit in the front row, you can get over this irrational fear and build your self confidence. You’ll also be more visible to the important people talking from the front of the room.

8. Speak up – Be fearless and let your thoughts out, politely, of course

During group discussions many people never speak up because they’re afraid that people will judge them for saying something stupid. This fear isn’t really justified. Generally, people are much more accepting than we imagine. In fact most people are dealing with the exact same fears. By making an effort to speak up at least once in every group discussion, you’ll become a better public speaker, more confident in your own thoughts, and recognized as a leader by your peers.

9. Work out – Taking time to sweat detoxifies the body, builds seretonin, a brain chemical that is actually uplifting to your mood

Along the same lines as personal appearance, physical fitness has a huge effect on self confidence. If you’re out of shape, you’ll feel insecure, unattractive, and less energetic. By working out, you improve your physcial appearance, energize yourself, and accomplish something positive. Having the discipline to work out not only makes you feel better, it creates positive momentum that you can build on the rest of the day.

10. Focus on contribution – Pay it forward offers a reward that brings a sense of peace and productivity, which in turn tweaks your sense of purpose

The expression “pay it forward” is used to describe the concept of asking that a good deed be repaid by having it done for others instead. In sociology, this concept is called “generalized reciprocity” or “generalized exchange”. A related transaction, which starts with a gift instead of a loan, is alternative giving.

The world can seem like an unfriendly, threatening place, yet we all want safety, health, and happiness for ourselves and our loved ones. How can one ordinary person — you or me — make a positive difference in this world? One way is the practice “paying it forward.” While the steps might be simple, the outcome could create a sense of luck and good will that changes the world.

Too often we get caught up in our own desires. We focus too much on ourselves and not enough on the needs of other people. If you stop thinking about yourself and concentrate on the contribution you’re making to the rest of the world, you won’t worry as much about you own flaws. This will increase self confidence and allow you to contribute with maximum efficiency. The more you contribute to the world the more you’ll be rewarded with personal success and recognition.

Self confidence is the difference between feeling unstoppable and feeling scared out of your wits. Your perception of yourself has an enormous impact on how others perceive you.

Perception is reality — the more self confidence you have, the more likely it is you’ll succeed. Although many of the factors affecting self confidence are beyond your control, there are a number of things you can consciously do to build self confidence, for only with this will the ‘visionary’ arrive that her final destination.

Faith is the second key to manifesting a vision, for without working the belief system inside yoour own heart for the purpose of your own life, how will you ever make the others appreciate You?

Sacrifice is the third most important action that one must thrive through, as there are absolutely no visions that arrive by the twinkle of a nose; not that we have seen yet! Enjoy the journey by staying focused on the destination with a knowing that its the journey’s twists and turns that create the intensity of final landing zone, the Vision.

Signs are the fourth and may be the most important events through the journey that one should work on following. Through the above steps, one will gain a new perception level, and start to see what before was unseen. Things that used to be written off to coincidence will no longer be a write-off.

Always trust that ‘everything happens for a reason’ and ‘there are no accidents’. Keep your eyes, ears and heart open as the Universe will want to help you on your journey to fulfill the purpose of your life and land inside the sweet spot of your vision.

Be aware as there will always be people in your life while on this journey of yours that will work to knock you off the path, as they will perceive you are not the ‘old self’ that you were before; your priorities will change, your schedule will change, your whole being will change and this will threaten some around you. Learn to handle all people around you, the ones that truly support your vision and those that work to crush it, without judgement for each and everyone around you serves a purpose to the vision. Get it?

Take Action in your life, and follow your dreams (or visions) :).