A vision dwells inside you that is bigger and more realistic than you can imagine. I believe that we are born with it. It's a seed that if nurtured correctly will produce some of the most beautiful and unique fruit. Fruit that consists of endless possibilities, paths of opportunities, and innovation that shifts the game. Yet, the question I'm asked most frequently is HOW? How do I manifest and/or make my vision a reality? And MY answer is always the same: WORK BACKWARDS.
To truly understand strategic development you need to understand the process of building. Most people struggle to build because it is unsexy, non-glamorous, why the heck do I have to do this part of purpose walking. Building happens behind closed doors and is where your faith is activated and put to the test. Building is the season where the phrase "blood, sweat, and tears" is created. It's when you experience and overcome failure when you strengthen your tenacity and develop the courage necessary to push past your insecurities. To be clear…a vision is built, not wished or hoped into existence. And the method to build begins with your ability to work backward.
Working backward is the process of starting with the end in mind first and creating the necessary steps, processes, and systems to reach the desired destination. Working backward is the only way to build properly. For example: let's say your vision is to be accepted into your dream university and secure a position in a program with limited space. Achieving this goal (the foundation of vision) just doesn't happen because you want it to, because you pray for it, or because you hope for it real hard. Securing this position will require thinking, planning, and doing. Let's review HOW to make this goal a reality.
Step 1: You will need to dedicate time to envision yourself already there. Yes, I know it seems kinda woo-woo, but consider this…If you cannot even imagine yourself there, what are the chances of you believing
you can achieve it?
Step 2: You will need to research the process, procedures, and requirements for acceptance. You will need to know the timeline, past participants' accomplishments, the requirements as it relates to grades, test scores, and recommendations.
Step 3: You will need to schedule the time to do the work. Yep…you will need to add important dates and deadlines to your calendar and then make sure you have enough to get all the requirements turned in promptly. The best way to eliminate procrastination is to START EARLY. Starting early, allows you to leave for space for the unknowns, as well as time to correct any unforeseen mistakes.
Step 4: Take action. It's one thing to think, research, and plan…but EXECUTION is where most people begin the downward spiral of getting lost in the wilderness. Why? Because when we begin to walk in our purpose and execute the necessary steps to manifest our vision; obstacles come full throttle. Obstacles are a test. They are there to questions your motives, intentions, dedication, and character. In brief, DO YOU WANT IT? If yes, then you will have no problem moving forward.
Want to manifest the vision you see and feel deep within your spirit? Then it's time to get real comfortable with the WORK BACKWARD strategy. Lastly, when you work from your vision (the ending), you rarely lose motivation because you are always headed in the direction of your dream.
WHO AM I?
I’m Kandis Troutman, The Creative Architect. I'm a mother, teacher, and spiritual seeker focused on purpose walking and serving others. I help women activate their God-given power so they can transform their purpose into a prosperous business.
Thanks for reading my post. I try to publish new posts weekly, but I believe in leaving room for God, which means there are no guarantees. But check in often and let me know what content awakens your spirit and I’ll be more than happy to share my experiences.
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Don’t allow your life to become what you should have done or what you wish you could have accomplished. Instead, step into the greatness that is your destiny and start creating, building, and elevating the life of your dreams.
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