True Conviction

Introduction:

Welcome my friend,

What a quick turnaround we've had that we're already back here for another weekend's conversation.

As much as I've looked forward to seeing you, I can't tell if that's the same for you after what was a very long conversation last week; the longest we've ever had in terms of number of words.

So if we got a bit exhausted by that, it wasn't intentional at all; just an attempt to wrap up with one theme so that we can move onto another one.

For that reason, let this be an apology for taking more time than usual.

Also, as part of this apology, today's conversation will be shorter than normal; as some kind of compensation.

However, it'll still be in such a way that none of the lessons of the day will be casualty.

Discussion:

To persevere is the quality to keep going after it becomes difficult to do so, even when it seems logical to quit.

On the other hand, to have a vision is to believe in the possibility of an idea to become real as we take actions according to our plan.

Which means that for us to keep going even when things aren't working out as planned, it's because we're truly convinced by the idea.

This is the relationship between vision and perseverance.

After all, who wants to continue with what feels like wasting time?

■ Authenticity, Vision And Perseverance

Imitation can be demoralizing because when we copy what we don't understand, we're not always mentally prepared for the challenges that may arise as part of the process.

When we develop our own vision, we build it around our own reality, understanding the abilities we have, who and what we're dealing with and the resources available to us.

So that in areas where we fall short, we know what to do in order to make up for what's lacking.

What an originator sees as a bend in the road, the imitator may see as the end of the road because there's no clear map of where to turn next.

An authentic vision is motivating, because it flows naturally, driving us to willingly persevere through obstacles, convinced that the reward in the end is worth the hassle.

So rather than copy others to recreate, we can draw inspiration instead and then do it our own way, exhibiting uniqueness.

■ Relationships, Visions And Perseverance

Since our vision is right there in our imagination, there's no limit to what we should think is attainable, as long as it's within our means and the limits we're willing to push ourselves to.

Also, we all don't have the same vision because we're unique in our personalities, interests, priorities and values.

So that what one person dreams of, plans for or works towards, another may want to avoid in their own lives.

However, what is important is that we surround ourselves with folks whose visions are aligned with ours, moving together in the same direction and inspiring one another.

Otherwise, we end up in the midst of those who, even as a show of love and concern for us, try to talk us out of our vision prematurely.

Simply because they somehow sincerely feel we're “chasing shadows”.

Where supportive folks lend us a helping hand, encouraging and nudging us forward, others will tell us to quit because we may not be good enough.

■ Our Plans To Get There 

The advantage of having a plan is that it prepares us for some of the challenges we may face.

Sometimes as part of the vision, we may need to improve and learn more, acquiring more knowledge and skills.

Other times, it's a call for collaboration, sharing our vision with like minds that adequately compliment our inefficiencies.

■ Hiccups In The Way

The reward of the vision is in the process not the destination; otherwise, we'd even lack the motivation to persevere until we arrive.

When the tangible results are yet to arrive, others will question us, initiating some kind of fear and doubt.

This is normal.

Yet we're aware of our honest efforts and can sincerely tell if it's gradually leading us in the direction of our vision or away from it.

When we appreciate how far we've come every step of the way, it strengthens our conviction that just like we've got thus far, we'd eventually get that far.

■ The Source Of Our Conviction 

As believers, the source of our conviction is divine because we know that in walking the path of God's will and purpose for our lives, we can't fail.

This is the relationship between vision, faith and perseverance.

Faith means that we can trust God to lead us in the direction of the vision He's given us so that we can persevere; convinced that we're not wasting our time.

■ When It's Too Late To Fulfill The Vision 

Age can mean we're too old to accomplish certain things but there's still so much more we can do from where we are; all it takes is just desire.

We may no longer have the time to be the next big thing but we can end up better than we would, if we continue on the wrong path.

When we give more to life by meeting the needs of others with the work we do or the products we sell, we're taking responsibility.

Through honest work we give ourselves to the service of others.

This means that we should always do our job well and our business with integrity as if we're doing it for God; because we are.

When we expand our vision it inspires us to develop the capacity to do more.

Summary:

As promised, our conversation today has been shorter than usual.

Yet through it, we might have found just that line made an impression on us so that we are stirred to take positive action.

This is the whole essence of our stay here.

Thanks for your time, my friend.

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