Clarity of vision produces more purposeful action. I want to be more effective and produce concrete outcomes. To do this I need to deliberately choose and then keep constantly in my mind’s eye the specific life environment and outcomes I want to create. Everything I do, then, should further those objectives.
A vision gains clarity when we know the principles that produce it and can mentally or verbally repeat those principles like a mantra to ourselves to keep us on track. For example, I have joined a gym with the express purpose of overcoming the effects of six years of sedentary living. The objective is to gradually strengthen my body until I am prepared for more deliberate, challenging, physical activity. I have always considered “working out” to be boring (because there is nothing interesting to think about) but my trainer (a twenty-year marine veteran) gave me a phrase (words) to repeat to myself to help me stay focused…
“Keep your mind in the muscle,” he told me.
In other words, pay attention. The specific exercise should feel a specific way. Only by focusing my mind “in” (on) what is happening with my muscles will I be able to make sure I am doing each particular movement correctly. I have been intrigued with how well repeating that phrase to myself clarifies my vision and makes my exercise more effective.
Know what you want to create and then choose one or two phrases that describe the principle(s) you need to follow to keep you on track. Repeat the words like a mantra to yourself throughout the day. Your actions will automatically be affected, you will get much closer to finally having your desired end results and you will feel much more satisfied with your day.
