JANUARY 20, 2023
As part of our Foundational Band of Brothers curriculum, we have discussed what it means to be an Authentic Man which often confuses many men (and women) as to their noble expectations. I am devoting an entire chapter in our upcoming workbook around Vision which will include your own personal vision along with an important “Shared Vision” for organizations and institutions. Formulating your purpose (and we hope you can all find your own purpose in life) and your intentions, creates a motivation that helps you to feel more satisfied with life. I hope you will consider your own personal vision for your faith, your family, and your career so that you can work with others to live life fully.
In recent remarks, we have talked about our Elevator Guy “7 Themes” of Living, Loving, Laughing, Learning, Leading, Listening, and leaving a Lasting Legacy. My hope is that each one of you reading this week’s remarks, can visualize your own future in each one of these categories. Try matching up our 7 themes by having a Faith vision, a Family vision, and your career vision. Write it down and then work at holding that vision until you hit a roadblock. Once that happens, (and it most certainly will) seek the advice of your mentor or mentors. In other words, admit that you need help and get a second opinion. Holding a vision is often very difficult with all the distractions of life.
As you write down and reflect on your own “Vision for Living,” here are some hints that might help you hold that vision. My own personal “Vision for Living” is to “Live life fully every day by giving God the Glory with wisdom, courage, self-mastery and love.” (Don’t wait 74 years to figure this out like the Elevator Guy) When you consider your own “Vision for Living” ask yourself these questions:
- Does your life reflect what you really want?
- Do you know what you really want?
- Do you know what you really need?
- What is YOUR vision for life?
Dr. Wayne Dyer was an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development. In his book; “Excuses be Gone,” he says that “people don’t get what they want in life….they get WHAT and WHO they are.” For example, if you want a loving relationship, you need to be loving. If you are a mean-spirited person, this probably won’t lead to a very healthy relationship with others. BE KIND!
One other Vision that I enjoy is our “Vision for Laughter.” Some of the best comedians in the world have their own “Vision for Laughter” and make it a huge part of their lives. Look for more smiles and laughter in your own life because laughing has many health benefits. (I am positive this works) Laughter promotes relaxation; (Just ask Ms. Teri) Having a sense of humor and laughing relieves tension and stress. (Start by laughing at yourself) It stimulates circulation and helps muscles relax. Of course, laughter also improves your mood, boosts immunity, is good for your heart, can help relieve pain, and lowers blood pressure.
Having a strong vision for each one of our 7 themes is critical in living a full life. It will certainly help you understand yourself and others better by keeping you on a great path for life. Keep in mind WHO you are, what path you are on, who you are taking with you, and preparing for your end game. In the meanwhile, I will be working on my abs with some hard laughter.
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Week: “Be brave enough to live the life of your dreams according to your vision and purpose instead of expectations and opinions of others.” Roy T. Bennett