Linda-Ann Stewart - Do You Have a Clear Vision of Your Desire?

Allison was a successful massage therapist in an office with other holistic service providers. As a group, they referred clients back and forth to each other. But eventually, the group office closed, and the providers dispersed to join other groups or go out on their own.

To avoid the personality conflicts that had disrupted the group office, Allison opened a solo practice. However, instead of promoting her business, she tried to rely on referrals as she'd done with the group. She didn't market her business because she didn't have a vision of herself as a solo practitioner. Eventually, her practice floundered and she had to close it down.

Having a clear vision of what you want is vital, whether you're building a business, starting a project or changing a habit. Napoleon Hill said, "Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve." But before you can start anything new, you have to have a vision of where you want it to go. What is your destination? If you don't choose this, your mind has no focus. You may set and achieve goals, but with no true direction, you'll never move forward. You'll be in motion, but make no progress.

You always have a vision in mind, but if you don't develop a new one to deal with changes in life, your vision will be about what you already have or don't want. With your present vision, you'll unconsciously maintain the status quo of your current conditions. And your actions will follow your attention. Or you'll sabotage your new direction because you're afraid it won't work. In this case, you'll procrastinate or be more concerned with how to limit the damage if it fails.

Another option is that you'll follow what worked in the past. For instance, Allison's vision of her business was outdated, based on the earlier office model. She didn't update her concept when her situation changed. Instead, she continued to act on her old vision, which meant she couldn't possibly succeed.

If you have created a clear vision of what you want, but aren't fulfilling it, the problem isn't with your vision. More likely, the issue is your mindset or your strategy. There are times when you can jump into action and your mindset will catch up, especially if you're immediately successful. But generally, you need to address the vital element of your mindset before you start considering the mechanics of your plan.

For instance, consider whether your attitudes will support you in your endeavor. Or will beliefs you have about your abilities, competence, and success undermine you? These need to be resolved before you can fully put your efforts into making your vision a reality.

The other stumbling block may be your strategy. Like Allison, you could be depending on a plan that worked in the past. You, your situation, the world, environment, business climate or something else could have changed, and you aren't taking that into account. If your plan is what's wrong, tweak or overhaul it.

It could also be the wrong type of plan for what you really want. You could be trying to follow the advice of other people who have been successful, but it's not really the right way for you. Because of that, you don't give it 100%. You don't have to recreate the wheel to be successful, but you don't have to blindly follow what worked for someone else, either. Adjust your strategy for what feels right to you.

As you proceed, update your plan with a new set of goals. That way you keep it fresh and give yourself motivation to keep going. However, even with a plan, you may not know exactly how your vision can be realized. Don't worry about that at this point. Specific plans can really only be accurate for the next few steps. Beyond that, there are too many variables to take into account.

You may bump into someone who opens the next door for you. Or you could discover a new avenue for your products. You're not clairvoyant, and won't be able to see every step along the way. As long as you have your clear vision, and keep acting on it, the way will open for it to become a reality.

As a focus coach, hypnotherapist, and speaker, Linda-Ann Stewart motivates women to focus and transform their business through deliberate actions that break through distraction and overwhelm to greater success, freedom, wellbeing and prosperity. Watch her FREE training video on Set Your Course to Success: 4 steps to strategically achieve your goals with confidence and ease. Register for the video and accompanying action planning guide at www.SetYourCourseGuide.com. You can contact her at LAS@Linda-AnnStewart.com or 928-600-0452.

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