"Vision without action is a daydream; action without vision is a nightmare." -- Japanese Proverb

How much could you accomplish if you opened your eyes in the morning but never got out of bed?  Nothing would be achieved.  Until you take action by getting out of bed, it's impossible to get anything done.  This is vision without action.

Now imagine waking up in an unfamiliar room.  You have a lot to do.  You're filled with enthusiasm.  You jump out of bed without opening your eyes.  The result will be that you bang into furniture, trip over things you can't see, and have a difficult, if not impossible, time getting out of the room.  Not only will your productivity be hindered; you run the risk of getting hurt.  This is action without vision.

Here is another analogy of vision without action.  You are sitting in your car looking out the window.  With you is a travel brochure of your favorite destination and a map showing the best route to take to get there.  Until you start the engine and begin driving, you won't go anywhere.

But what happens if your windshield is painted black and yet you start driving?  It doesn't matter whether you know where you want to go or not.  In short order you are certain to crash.  Again, this is the result of action without vision.

Vision is a mental picture of your goals.  There is no limit to how detailed your vision can be.  The more precise your vision, the more powerful its effect.  A vague vision, such as being happy, wealthy, or having a satisfying career, has little effect.  Once you can define exactly what makes you happy, how much money you need to be wealthy, or what type of job is satisfying, you have a vision that can inspire you.

Your vision should never be what you don't want.  Your desires must be formulated in terms of the positive circumstances you desire in your life.  For example, rather than visualizing not being overweight you would visualize being in shape.  You don't want to visualize not being poor, instead you would visualize having enough money to meet all of your needs.

Your vision should also be in the present tense.  In your mind, you imagine having already succeeded.  If you want to buy a house, visualize yourself living in the exact home you want.  Are you looking for a specific job?  Think as if you now have the job and imagine how you feel as a result. 

A clear, precise, and vivid vision of what you seek is a powerful first step.  But by itself, it is ineffectual.  Even with an intense desire, nothing will happen until you take action.  Action enables you to harness the power of your vision.

As the above examples illustrate, action without vision is at best pointless, or at worst a disaster.  If you don't know where you want to go, there is no point to taking action.  People who panic and act impulsively, without any thought, planning, or direction usually wind up in a worse situation than when they started.

Take enough time to develop your vision.  Find and post pictures of what you want.  This will help keep your vision active in both your conscious and subconscious thoughts.  Once you have your detailed vision, start to take action.  You only need to begin with one step, no matter how small.  Then follow up with another and keep going.  Consistent action will energize your vision and bring it to reality.

NOW AVAILABLE:  "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book.  Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write him c/o this paper.  2007 Bryan Golden

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