Why Vision Beyond Sight

​Dear Why Team member,
I hope this week’s message finds you well, warm and with a positive vision for your future.
 
This week we explore how our present moments are impacted by how we think, what we speak out loud, and how that shapes the future we envision. 

​Audio:🗣

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​The ancient text reads that where there is no vision the people perish.  
Without a positive vision, we can feel lost, lacking in hope and meaning; and when losing our vibrancy and love of life it impacts not only us but also those around us. 
 
What is your vision for your future?  
Why have you imagined that vision?
Notice your answers.  
Is your vision primarily for external outcomes or more-so to achieve more internal outcomes such as peace and joy? On which vision do you have the most control?
 
We are all aware of cause and effect. Clearly the choices we make today impact our future selves, but as we know, life doesn’t always unfold the way we planned. This is not to say that planning isn’t incredibly valuable, but it’s important to notice how attached we may have become to our desired outcomes. How much peace and happiness may we be putting on hold till that future outcome?  
 
Delaying gratification is foundational to maturity. Children want what they want and they want it now. But how many of us adults are delaying most, if not all, of the gratification a new day can bring, reserving our celebrations only to achieving the fully planned outcomes?! This is why I think we are reminded to stop and smell the roses meaning to celebrate the small successes along the way and find more joy in the little things. 

How may we have a vision for the future, work hard to achieve it, yet find that inner peace in the here and now that will make space for insights to arise; helpful insights that can serve to bring our visions into reality?
 
Last week we explored the power of replacing worry with wonder. In an interview with Meghaan Lurtz, discussing her research on our current self versus your ideal or future self, the host of The Human Side of Money podcast remarked that our behavior today is largely influenced by our view of our future self. 
Sure we all think about the future and plan for it, that’s why the best planners wonder more than worry; they plan for the best and prepare for the worse - not the reverse.
 
Remember yourself in November of 2019? Could you have imagined the events of the year to come? Weren’t the things you worried about then altered by forces out of your control? So, let’s consider applying more focus on what we can control: 
positive thoughts that become positive words that transform into positive actions. 
When you start with a positive vision for the future and a faith in its achievement, no matter the wrench that’s being thrown in, you’ll more easily pivot to plan B; and because you planned for the best, you’ll more likely discover that plan B.
 
This week and beyond, consider more your vision for your future; make a positive plan for its achievement and celebrate each day, and each step, in the direction of your dreams.
 
Make it a great week!
 

Steve Luckenbach