Having great aspirations, big dreams is not the end of the journey of success, it is just the beginning. Aspirations and dreams can sometimes be too general and unspecific to be transformed into a business, tradable commodity or service. Therefore, aspirations and dreams must be processed into a precise and clear vision to be laid down.  

In fact, the difference between a mere dream and a vision is that, a dream is an imaged aspiration without a definite destination or determined result and no plan of getting there or obtaining it. A vision on the other hand is a dream with a definite destination or determined result, with a definite plan of getting there or obtaining it. The plan is also segmented in short and long-term goals with definite datelines attached to them.

You must map or lay down your vision. Laying down the Vision is an exercise of creating a definite plan of achieving your vision, by breaking down your vision into precise, clearly defined goals – with definite, delineated steps of how you will obtain those goals in a set time, by routinely accomplishing small tasks daily.

Many times, people think they have a vision when what they have is just wishful thinking. A “vision” that is not laid out for implementation is a mere dream. Here are two parallel examples that may help you to understand the difference between having a vision and wishful thinking – which could be mistaken for being a vision:

1. An example of wishful thinking that could be mistaken for being a vision:

My vision for this year is to lose weight. (Not precise). I will join the gym and make sure I eat the right foods. (Not precise.) There are no set goals with specific time frames attached to them).

This is not a vision – but merely wishful thinking. There is no clarity in it, no goals, no steps, no set time, and no small tasks to be accomplished on daily basis.

2. An example of a clear and precise vision: Currently, I weigh 120 kg. (Precise weight or point of departure). My vision is to lose 45 kg by the end of the year, 31st December 2024, and thus weigh 75 kg. (Precise goal). This is what I will do\(Plan of Action or process):

  • I will join the gym on the 2nd of January.
  • I will find a trainer who will give me advice and help me with my training on the very same day that I join the gym.
  • I will start with 30 minutes of training a day and increase until I am able to train for 3 hours a day. (Outlined Steps)
  • In the first three months, I will lose 5 kg, 10 kg in the second three months, 14 kg in the third quarter, and 16 kg in the last three months of the year. (Precise short term and long-term goals)

I will not only exercise but will also change my eating habits – from the first day of the year. I will:

  • Reduce the amount of food I eat by 0.5 kg.
  • Reduce my intake of carbohydrates and fatty foods to twice a week and increase my intake of fruits and vegetables.
  • Drink 8 – 10 glasses of water every day.
  • Eat my last meal not later than 2 hours before I go to bed: preferably by 19 hrs.

WRITE DOWN THE TEN YEAR VISION OR PLAN

Write in these areas but not limited to them

  1. Financial Success.
  2. Academic Life and Career/Business.
  3. Marriage and Family.
  4. Your Spiritual Life and relationship with God.
  5. It should include physical and emotional health.
  6. Social Life and entertainment.
  7. Personal contribution to God’s Work and the Extension of His Kingdom.
Start Planing Now