The language of ‘vision’

Much of our thought process is language-based. As a consequence, our vocabulary and understanding of language can determine the quality of our thinking and understanding about life.

The risk of language-based thinking is the possibility that a lack of time or energy to focus our thoughts on important matters may allow our vocabulary to limit the quality of our thinking. Observation of most political and theological conversations will prove this point, but the most immediate threat caused by poor thinking is to ourselves, our businesses, and our communities.

Let’s take one word and examine how our understanding of this word might significantly affect our lives. Let’s examine the word “vision,” not in the context of the biological process of sight, but in the context of looking forward though time.

For most of my life, first in church, then in school, I have heard that it is important to have a vision to be successful in life and life’s endeavors. I believe this. Most sensible, educated people inherently know this is true. If you want to succeed in reaching your aspirations, if you want to live a worthwhile existence, if you want make the world a better place, you must start with a vision.

Ask yourself, what is meant by the word “vision” and then review your vision in some detail. If you are older, have you succeeded in making your vision for life a reality? If they are honest, I believe the majority of people would have to say their vision never materialized. I believe this failure for a person to achieve their vision for their life or their business is partially a vocabulary problem, a quality of thought problem.

Many words commonly used to teach important concepts become jargon. They lose their significance and meaning do to overuse. For example, how would you answer a high school student who asked you, “What is a “business model?” or “What is meant by value added?” Most business people can’t articulate with any depth the meaning of either of these terms in the context that they are commonly used in business books and articles. That is because there has never been a generally accepted definition of “business model” developed and “value added” is subjective and individually perceived.

And that’s the problem with the word “vision” in the context of a possible future. We are told continually of the need for a vision, but seldom have we been taught the elements or attributes of what a vision requires to differ from a day dream. I’m a CPA, not a linguist, but I am going to offer you my brief thoughts on what is required to develop a working definition of a vision, a future reality that starts with a thought.

First, a vision requires clarity of thought. Clarity of thought doesn’t mean you visualize your future to the color of your pants worn on the first Monday in July 2025. It does mean you can visualize with clarity the details of the possibilities you hope for based on today’s knowledge. Flexibility and adjustment of your vision will be required due to the fast change in the world’s knowledge base and cultural change.

A vision anticipates change and change can be uncomfortable. To birth your vision will require your continual action to facilitate change. You can’t just wake up each morning with your vision intact and let the world control your schedule and use up all of your energy. You must impose your will on life. Visions aren’t realized by random events. It requires the exercise of choice.

Your vision’s path to reality will require you to be resilient. Life is full of setbacks and obstacles that make a person want to give up. Life just isn’t fair all the time. If you want your vision to become a reality, rather than complain, grunt on. Nobody wants to be around a whiner.

Continual learning is a huge benefit to realizing a vision. The world is changing so fast that spending you evenings watching television or watching hilarious YouTube videos without finding time to learn new knowledge and to develop new skills will turn your vision into a wish, not reality.

But perhaps the single most detriment to killing or crippling your vision’s success is believing you are supposed to accomplish it alone. Visions achieved are mostly visions shared by the visionary. A compelling vision will challenge and inspire other people to help you succeed, unless your vision is totally selfish. Zig Ziglar said it best when he said the best way to get what you want is to help other people get what they want.

Every person, especially the entrepreneur and business owner needs a vision. But a vision requires a plan of action. Without a plan of action your vision is just a delightful day dream. A real vision gives you purpose in life. Check you vocabulary and make sure you understand the definition of “vision.” Who wants to be insignificant?