E-couragement: When Vision Becomes Reality
“If I cling to the notion that something’s not possible, I’m arguing in favor of limitations. And if I argue for my limitations, I get to keep them.” Gay Hendricks It was 2006 when I wrote my first comprehensive vision statement encompassing seven key areas of my life. Under the heading Career, one sentence reads: The cornerstone of EXTRAordinary! Inc’s success is the deep and connected relationships I share with my clients and friends. There it was, clearly spelled out in Arial 12 font. On March 13th I found myself sitting in a restaurant experiencing the full impact of that vision. It was no longer simply an inspired document—it had manifest into a powerful reality.
Mary Cloninger, CMPE, is the Executive Director of Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates. She’s a smart and engaging leader who became my client in early 2005. After the death of my wife, Ivy, Mary and a number of clients rallied around me in support. She sent an email asking if we could meet for lunch. Her office is in Charlotte and I imagined we’d meet there as we had in the past. Not this time. Mary insisted she drive to Greensboro to take me out.
In between bites of lunch we talked about work, daughters, her husband, and Ivy’s passing. Then it happened. With tears in her eyes, Mary began to tell me about the impact I had on her life both personally and professionally. She mentioned how often the E-couragement speaks to and inspires her. With a Cheshire like grin she said, “Rich, so often when I’m facing a challenging decision, I hear your voice in my head providing guidance and advice.” She sincerely thanked me for the work I’d done with her and her staff over the years. Receiving her affirmation caused tears to well up in my eyes.
Pulling away from our lunch, I couldn’t help but reflect on the meaningful and personal relationships I have with my clients. That’s when it hit me. When our belief is backed by conviction and action, vision is transformed into reality. Mary was demonstrating that the vision for deep and connected relationships with my clients was no longer a future desired state. It’s my current reality. Real and tangible. Here and now.
Having a vision for your future is one way to live in an engaged manner. What’s the vision you hold for your life? Is it clear and compelling? Write it down. Read it out loud. Tell others about it. Take small action steps that move you towards it. Then, watch in wonder as it transforms from vision into reality.
Leave your comments: Tell us a vision you currently have for your professional or personal life.