What is holding you back from pursuing your dreams and seeing your vision become a reality? Is it fear? Is it the cost? Is it some inconvenience? What is preventing you from achieving everything God has in store for you?

Many people have grand ideas, but few actually come to fruition. More times than not, they lie dormant until they eventually begin to fade away. If you have a vision—whether for your business, your family, or your community—what is it going to take for it to actually take shape?

The answer can be found in a simple word: action. You can dream all you want, but until you take action, a dream is all it will ever be. Action is what transforms a dream from fantasy to fact. In Women Under Construction, I describe it this way:
"At some point, vision has to give way to hard work. Envisioning a clean house is one thing, dragging out the bucket and mop is the other side of the coin."

It starts with a vision, but that vision must inspire action. If it does not, you might find yourself looking back years from now with regret over missed opportunities and squandered potential.

"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (James 2:17, KJV)

It is true of faith; it is also true of vision. You may believe in something and have a captivating vision of what could be, but until you act upon it, it makes no difference. The Taj Mahal, for example, was once just an abstract concept that only became a reality because Mughal emperor Shah Jahan commissioned it to be built.

What is required to turn your vision into reality? Beyond the gifts and abilities that you may have, you will need:

1. The courage to face the risks.

As all great innovators know, any action taken in pursuit of a dream requires some degree of risk. Otherwise, their innovations would have never gotten beyond the drafting table. Gutzon Borglum envisioned the faces of presidents carved into the rock of Mount Rushmore, but it took the courageous efforts of Borglum and his team to scale the mountain and sculpt the faces out of the granite. Every great vision is accompanied by risk.

2. The commitment to follow it through.

Far too often, people set out in pursuit of their vision but give up when the going gets tough. Understand from the outset that you will face opposition, you will have disappointments, and you will pay a cost. If you are not willing to pursue your vision in spite of these obstacles, you would be better off not even trying.

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?" (Luke 14:28, KJV)

3. The readiness to share a compelling vision.

A compelling vision enables you to draw others around you who may prove instrumental in making that vision come true. Practice sharing your vision clearly and concisely and invite others to join you in pursuing it. Reiterate your vision from time to time, keeping it fresh for those who choose to partner with you.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18, KJV)

Acting upon your vision can simultaneously be the most demanding and the most rewarding experience of your life. In your business, family, or community, a passionate, God-given vision can empower and motivate you to accomplish great things.

Dan S
12/13/2011 08:21:14 am

There is risk in committing to our dreams in a wholehearted fashion, but not doing anything is also taking a risk!

Thanks for the gentle butt-kicking btw ;-)

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Rob
12/19/2011 04:41:09 am

Someone once said he exercises his "further" muscles to push himself to complete projects, rather than start and then abandon his ideas like he used to.

I find the thought easy to visualize and it motivates me.

Your blog motivates me too :)

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9/4/2023 12:08:09 pm

This was greeat to read

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