I
t’s been prophetically written: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” It is blatantly obvious in the National Football League.
Certain teams are perennial champions and others are perennial losers. Why? The answer came when the players on the lastand first-place teams were interviewed, and asked “Why are you here?” The last-place players’ eyes were downcast. They mumbled excuses for their poor playing. They each answered the question, “I’m here to play football.” Observe the operative word I am.
Contrast these losers with the champions. When the powerhouse players were questioned, they stood taller, with confidence and enthusiasm oozing from every pore. They knew their purpose and they expected positive results. When asked, “Why are you here?” they boldly proclaimed, “We’re here to win the Super Bowl!”
Can you see the difference?
In one instance the losers had no vision. They were content to be in a mediocre, shortterm survival mode, just hanging on to finish the season and pay the bills. In the other instance the winners had vision. They focused on purposes instead of just setting goals. They want it all, and are willing to work hard toward achieving that long-term, peak-performance result.
What is your vision - personally and careerwise? Where will you be in 5, 10 or 20 years? Are you working for a pay-check or working for the company? Do you only look forward to Friday instead of to every day of the week? Do you think you are paid by the hour or do you realize that you are paid for the value you bring to that hour?
Young people give up opportunities to get good grades and participate in extracurricular activities at school just to work for minimum wage so they can have a fancy car or nice clothes. The sad truth is they will struggle the rest of their lives. An education allows them to have options - so they can get the job of their dreams, instead of settling for the leftovers. All of us need a long-term vision! What is yours?