Read more articles by Eugene Moreau.
There is a story set in medieval times that tells of a traveller who comes upon three stonemasons. He asks each in turn: ‘What are you doing?’ The first answers, without hesitation, ‘I am cutting this stone.’ The second, who appears to be doing the identical job makes a gesture with his hand and says; ‘I am completing the wall.’ The third, again seems to be doing the same job slowly raises his eyes to the sky and says; ‘I am building a cathedral.’
The secret to living a significant life is vision.
In this weeks blog past I will invite you to take another look at the vision you have for your life, or business, and extend a challenge to examine the way this vision is being pursued.
You will be invited to answer this question: does my vision inspire cathedrals or simple brick walls?
The little story of the three builders above offers a very useful analogy because it brings into question the nature of the relationship between awareness and activity or, in everyday language – vision and action.
If you are interested in building a really powerful life or business (a cathedral) rather than an average, barley surviving life or business, (a brick wall) then I invite you to read on.
The quality of vision determines the quality of action!
Take the difference between each of the three stonemasons. What will determine the quality of their work? Each stonemason will require a skill level of basic ability, so ability may not be the differentiation. They each have to construct a wall that will stand and fulfil its essential supporting, separating or decorative function. This will involve some degree of knowledge of how to use tools effectively. Each stonemason would need to ensure the foundations were of adequate depth and materials were appropriate.
Then there is the attitude factor. Ability on its own is no guarantee of quality and effectiveness. If the mason is impatient, or easily distracted, or careless, or has developed an uncontrollable dislike of the task he is performing, then the end result is likely to be flawed or incomplete. So assuming that ability and attitude are already strong in each stonemason, what further ingredient will influence the quality of action, and therefore the end result?
Vision is the answer
Ability and attitude without vision is like having a car without an engine. Why does one stonemason only see himself putting in a nine to five job that involves cutting blocks of stone? Why does another only see part of the big picture and limits his vision to a building a wall? What is it about the third stonemason that separates him from the other two?
Now, how does this apply to you?
If there is no vision then you will perish. You will decline, die and decay! Simple, brutal truth!
You a vision that is alive and fresh. It must be inspiring and it must takes to a place you have not been before – to a higher, more fulfilling and rewarding place. Vision’s that bring about significance starts off being a mental concept, not seen with ordinary sight, but with the inner eye – the minds eye. It is vivid, distinct. It is imaginative, perhaps even fantastic.
It is prophetic in the sense that what you see can form the basis for what might be attempted or achieved. It can even be revelatory, for in the construction of a vision, you might end up with a picture of something so powerful, so important – that it will forever change the very nature of your business.
A vision creates the future framework into which all your actions will fit and it helps you ‘see’ what is going to happen as the end result of your efforts. It provides motivation. It provides energy. It helps you decide what makes sense to do and what doesn’t.
A vision shared by every member of your business is the key to motivation and empowerment, or passion and commitment. When a team of people ‘own’ the vision, they tend to see the risks of ‘building the cathedral’ as being lower. They can ‘see’ where you are going, and they will perceive your future as tangible. And when people see the vision aligned with their personal vision for their future – they are inclined to increase productivity and this will always result in higher performance – or profitability.
Taking Action
The first action is to take a current reality snap shot of what you have now as a vision.
Answer these five questions about your vision.
1. Am I living my hearts desire?
2. What is the idea that never leaves me?
3. What one thing would I do if I knew it would not fail?
4. What one thing would bring me the greatest fulfilment?
5. Am I doing any of the above?
So…are you building a brick wall or a cathedral?
If you would like to have someone help you unlock a vision for your life send me an email, or contact me on skype (eugenemoreau). I can work with you in person or online…..your choice.
Until next time…
Eugene