Personal growth demands we act with intention, not simply dream. Thus, envisioning and becoming is a deliberate process.
Who Can I Become?
Having a vision for WHO we can become demands that we take action.
Otherwise, we’re simply dreaming, not acting. Therefore, we must combine envisioning with becoming if we’re to enjoy personal growth.
Taking decisive action invariably produces risks. Ha, we could fail!
However, acting on our vision brings growth and thus personal transformation.
Moreover, over a period of time (a really long time for some people, like me!), personal growth leads to fulfillment — and influence.
Proverbs 4.25 encourages us to focus – look straight ahead. Ok, but straight ahead at what? Well, your life purpose, as described in Proverbs 4.18. proverbsforprofessionals.net
The Precept
In Proverbs 4.25-27 Solomon lists three aspects of being action oriented so we become our envisioned self.
1). Goal Clarity: Keep looking straight ahead. Hum, look at what? At your goal, that’s WHERE you’re going! But, the assumption here is you’re clear about WHY you’re pursuing a particular goal. More critically, your goals should flow out of your life’s purpose.
2). Deliberate Planning: He says we’re to “ponder” – carefully consider – the path to WHERE we are going. In short, don’t take random actions; instead be deliberate and deliberative.
3). Distraction Avoidance: Finally, while you are on the way, he says to not become sidetracked. Instead, remain focused on accomplishing your goal. Focused execution is critical for us!
Now, those are some very practical lifestyle disciplines for us to follow!
Apply This Today!
The most productive type of life change is intentional. As such, you’re deliberate about WHERE you’re going and WHY you want to go there! That’s using foresight rather than reacting to life events.
It’s most important, I believe, to know what is – and is not – critical to accomplishing your life purpose. If something is not critical, hence not a priority, it should be unimportant.
Finally, a question: What types of conversations with yourself move you from dreaming to acting?