Vision Traps

Society (and ourselves!), tend to pacify our passion for life through clichés that will forever prevent us from achieving what we potentially can.

Peter Senge and co-authors in their book: The Fifth Discipline Field Book, highlighted the following traps that restrict us from creating a powerful vision:

“I can’t have what I want”: The cliché of don’t think too much about what you want, because you might not get it and will be disappointed. In a pre-emptive strike against disappointment, you degrade any object of your deepest desire.

Or

You can have a successful career or a satisfying family life, not both. You must settle for a trade-off.

“I want what someone else wants”: Some people choose their vision, based on what someone else would want for them. Do not live to satisfy another person’s dream – live to get the satisfaction from your own vision. You will be able then to give so much more of yourself to others.

“It doesn’t matter what I want”: Do not assume that what you want is not important. Do not belittle yourself.

“I already know what I want”: A personal vision is not a done deal. It is something that you continue to create and re-create as you move on in life.

“I am afraid of what I want”: Some people are afraid of what they really want. Like leaving their job or that they might just want more and more. It’s your vision! It cannot run away with you. However, deal with it in a way that makes you feel comfortable… next year you can review it.

“I don’t know what I want”: “All of us have a vision deep within us. Your reluctance to deal with it and to articulate it is just a measure of our despair and reluctance to take responsibility. Your vision will create hope. Most people on planet earth are aimlessly drifting from home to work and from work to home, simply to make a living. This is a tragedy and should never be the lot of the human soul.” (Dr. Myles E Munroe)

“What I don’t want”: The brain does not process negatives (‘not’)

Do not think about the PC on your desk …

Do not think about a red rose …

The brain does not process negatives. When we focus on what we don’t want (for example, when we worry about something), we programme the brain to look for opportunities to give us just that!

The brain always operates in alignment with the message it receives form the conscious of subconscious mind. Whatever we think about, consciously or subconsciously, determines what we see and attract.

It is therefore important to clarify WHAT YOU WANT, as opposed to what you don’t want/fear.

If you consistently focus on your goals (‘wants’), you will start to see opportunities to realize your dreams.