Vision.

My friend Brian has a leadership-focused Substack that I can recommend: https://substack.com/@brianjsanders?

Yesterday he wrote about vision and he said:

Vision is where you’re going.

Mission is why you exist.

That’s a great, simple definition of vision and mission.

It made me think about my mission and vision over the years, both personal and professional. I think it’s wise to have a personal mission and vision statement as well as a professional one.

One thing I realized is when you have vision, or a vision, it doesn’t automatically resonate with everyone else. Meaning, they may not get as excited about it as you are.

But don’t let anybody talk you out of it.

I remember when I told my Dad I was going to spend my life savings to apply for an FM radio license back in the 1980’s. I thought he would be thrilled. Instead he said, “I’ve wasted money on dumber things.”

It wasn’t long after that that Dad felt called to start a church and become a full time pastor. He asked what I thought and I tried talking him out of it.

I didn’t let him get in the way of fulfilling my vision, and I didn’t try to stop him from fulfilling his. In fact, we became each others biggest cheerleaders and advocates. But I couldn’t see his vision in those early days, and I don’t think he could see mine.

Our missions were similar. Our visions very different.

Not everybody is going to see your vision, especially early on and perhaps your friends and family. But some people will see it and they’ll want to hop on the train and use their gifts and resources to help. Welcome them.

The ones who try to talk you out of your vision - thank them for the input and move on with your eye on the prize.

Vision is where you’re going. And not everybody is going to come with you.