#AffirmationMonday: Writing the Vision
"The Lord answered me: Write down this vision; clearly inscribe it on tablets so one may easily read it." (Habakkuk 2:2, HCSB)
I am determined, now more than ever, that this blog post is meant for someone. Heck, it might just be meant for me. But considering how I had almost finished this blog post and then somehow deleted it, I would wager to say there's some merit to something I'm saying.
Last week, we talked about setting a theme for the year. So if you missed that blog post, stop and read it here. This week we're talking about vision casting and setting goals. The Bible is clear when it says that it is God who gives our lives purpose and meaning. He is the one who gives the vision. It's our responsibility to steward those visions wisely. Creating long and short term goals help you to focus on living a life that leaves a legacy.
The very first thing you need to do is be prayerful about your purpose. We have to move beyond a lifestyle that promotes maintaining at life instead of actually living life. So those big kid dreams you had-dust them off. They hold the key to making your mark on this world. Here's a summary of the three points that our Bible verse above highlights on vision casting:
1. You have to write down the vision.
There is something to be said about writing down your vision. First, writing helps you commit things to memory. It helps develop permanence and longevity. And it helps create a sense of urgency. Your vision should be at the forefront of your mind through every decision you make. It should dictate what you do and how you navigate life's ups and downs. Writing down your vision helps you truly focus your energy on what matters most.
2. You have to have clear vision.
This is where goal-setting comes in. You can have a written vision, but if you don't have a plan to achieve that vision, you'll spin your wheels. Create goals that are specific, measurable to your vision, achievable, realistic and timely/time-bound. Make sure to give yourself a mix of easy and harder goals so that you can see forward momentum. Be realistic with what you can and can't do and don't be afraid to enlist outside help to tackle your goals. Make sure to give yourself timelines because they help to guide your progress along. And don't set yourself up for failure. Giving yourself too many goals can overwhelm and discourage you. Instead, choose 1-3 to get you going.
3. You have to invite others into your vision.
You aren't meant to tell everyone the details of what you're working on but I challenge you to find yourself a mentor, therapist or coach that you can bounce ideas off of. Iron really does sharpen iron. Note: IRON sharpens other IRON. Don't invite aluminum to the party thinking it's going to make a dent.
You might not be a writer so this post might have went right over your head. There's a special place in my heart for making visuals so next week, we'll talk about how vision boards can be our written vision if done correctly. And I'm not the queen of casting visions, but I know about living life in a rut, so if you need help figuring out a vision for your life, email me at contactus@createdandrestored.com. In the meantime, here's our affirmation for the week:
Affirmation for the Week:
I am more than capable of executing and achieving the vision God has for my life.