How to Have Vision and Passion In Our Lives

Many people will live their lives without fulfilling their dreams. None of us want to be one of those people. I once heard a successful speaker say that many will never make it to their mountaintop because deep within they’re afraid to succeed. In some respects, I believe this to be true because along with success comes responsibility.

Without passion and clear vision of how to ‘conquer our mountain’, we stumble along, focusing too much on how others are moving ahead or looking down and focusing on the uneven terrain. We think it must be easier on the other side of the mountain if only we could figure out an easy way to get there. For those who arrive to their mountaintop, the view is incredible, exhilarating and there is a sense of wonder and joy that life can be so full and rewarding.

It reminds me of a time many years ago when I was vacationing with my family in Red River, New Mexico. We were staying in a friends cabin next to a large hill. I decided that I wanted to climb the hill to see what was at the top. The area was beautiful and there were trees everywhere. I had to make my own path and watch carefully where I was going, because I knew I also had to come back down! There were a couple of times I felt like going back, but I knew if I did, I would always wonder what the view was like at the top.

I finally made it and I’ll never forget the feeling of pure joy and happiness. It was not what I expected! I could have never imagined the beauty of the grass covered, open field. It was surrounded by these beautiful, rather ethereal looking aspen trees. I was skipping around the top, throwing my arms up, laughing and rolling around on the grass. I had made it! I felt like I was in a magical, fairy land, but I knew it was very real. This experience has been a source of inspiration for me numerous times in my life.

Our dreams are not out of reach when we have the intense passion, drive and vision to see them fulfilled. Passion is the fuel. It is that feeling that makes our heart race when we think about our dream; or reflect on our reality, if we are already living our dream. Passion begins with vision. Without vision, we simply won’t move forward because we don’t know where we’re going. “Vision is a picture of the future that gives passion to the present." Les Parrott (author of 3 Seconds, The Power of Thinking Twice).

It’s not as difficult as one may think. We come into this world equipped with inherent qualities and characteristics unique to each person. We will face challenges and witness events or hear news that affects us deeply. Discovering our vision is taking opportunity to look at what we can do well or wish to do well. Ask yourself a few questions and write down or record your answers.

• What are some of your life experiences (good and bad)?
• What kind of books do you read?
• What do you watch on television?
• What news stories capture your interest?
• Are there particular statistics that impress you or sadden you?
• Do you feel you are called to a profession?
• What are your hobbies?

“Stop telling yourself that dreams don’t matter, that they are only dreams and that you should be more sensible.”

Julie Cameron

(author of The Artist’s Way)

Spending time answering these questions can help us more easily define what it is that we want or need to accomplish in our lifetimes. Experiencing a tragedy may inspire us to make sure others won’t suffer in the same way. A childhood spent playing outdoors and hiking could help fuel passion for environmental awareness and advocacy. Reading fantasy books can inspire the artist within to emerge as it did with John Howe, an illustrator and conceptual artist for The Hobbit and The Lord of The Rings movies. News stories stir our passion for what we feel is important in our world.

The founder of Nike shoes was an avid runner and wanted to find or create a shoe that would allow runners a lighter shoe to cushion the body while running. He was eating waffles and imagined the sole of a shoe in a similar pattern. He had vision and ‘ran’ with it to build one of the most successful footwear companies worldwide.

Many feel different callings throughout their lives. Firefighters, teachers, doctors, musicians, entrepreneurs, scientists, mothers, presidents, on and on. Is there a burning desire within to enter a certain profession? Take the necessary steps to make it happen.

Vision alone won’t accomplish dreams. Passion is the fuel to make our visions alive. Passion energizes and creates momentum. Max Martin, one of pop music’s most successful songwriters/producers quotes, “My advice to upcoming talent in this business is "work harder than everyone else." Max Martin.

Passion is the fuel, it doesn’t get the job done. It enables us to do the work required, as no great accomplishments are realized without work and a sense of responsibility.

Another of Martin’s inspiring quotes; "I didn't even know what a producer did, I spent two years day and night in that studio trying to learn what the hell was going on." Obviously, he had passion and wanted to succeed. And he continues to be passionate about his craft and extremely successful. He has received the ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Producers) six times in his lifetime, being the first non-American to receive this prestigious award.

Be involved. Be around people who inspire you. Find opportunities to be active in your community or travel. Traveling to new locales can excite and inspire us to move forward with our dreams and goals. Perhaps we find that our calling is working in another country.

Lastly, learn as much as we can. Our vision will be clearer and more focused with information and knowledge, learning from others. If more education is required, then by all means, find out what is necessary and take classes or get the degree that will help open the right doors. Like the famous quote, “Life is not a dress rehearsal.” This is it! Enjoy it.

Never underestimate the power of passion fueled with knowledge and anticipation. It’s how dreams are made real.