When I was in high school and college I would spend lazy afternoons drawing pictures of my dream man.
I’m a terrible artist so my dream man was a stick figure with very baggy clothes.
But all around the drawing of my dream man, I would write the characteristics I wanted him to have:
- Funny
- Spiritual
- Kind
- Owns a black polo shirt
- Can sing really well
And on, and on, and on.
I had a vision for who I wanted my future husband to be. And interestingly enough, when I DID find my future husband he fit almost every single requirement that my stick man had. Except for the black polo shirt, which I bought him, and he’s a terrible singer which I haven’t been able to fix. He still sings like a bullfrog.
Your Vision Matters
But the point of this story is that having a vision for the future matters.
It sets our standards, determines our goals, and influences our daily actions.
Now I am not suggesting you draw a stick man future husband and dream of who you’ll someday marry.
What I am suggesting is that you catch the vision of you!
What does future-you act like; what does future-you believe about herself; what does future-you do for others?
Sister Elaine Dalton said this:
…the steadfast choices of one individual affect generations.
Elaine Dalton, “Press Forward and Be Steadfast,” General Conference, April 2003
Who you choose to be and what you choose to do has the power to affect the world!
How to Catch the Vision
So how do you catch a vision for your life?
This is where the fun comes in!
Personally, I love the idea of vision boards- collecting cool quotes, pictures, and bold headlines that encapsulate who you want to become and putting them all one one board.
A vision board can serve as a daily reminder of what you need to do, and why!
A vision board is a fantastic way to show God that you have a plan for your life and you would certainly love His help along the way. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said this:
God is anxiously waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can’t if you don’t pray, and He can’t if you don’t dream. In short, He can’t if you don’t believe.
Jeffrey R. Holland, “Terror, Triumph, and a Wedding Feast,” BYU Speeches, 12 September 2004
As you pray, and dream, and believe, God will help you fulfill dreams greater than you could have imagined.
If You Have No Idea What You Want Your Future to Be
What if you honestly have no idea what you want your future to look like, much less what you’re going to do tomorrow?
The good thing is, you have a super smart Friend who does now what your dream future looks like and can help you catch the vision as well.
The Savior will help you see and understand the vision He has for you… He knows you personally and has a plan for your life.
Elaine Dalton, “Press Forward and Be Steadfast,” General Conference, April 2003
So if you honestly have no idea, go to the Lord for help.
If you have a patriarchal blessing, get it out and look for all of the future plans God has for you.
If you don’t have a patriarchal blessing, pray for the Lord to help you see the strengths you have that He wants you to use in blessing others.
If you’re still struggling, talk with a friend or family member and ask THEM what they envision for your future. Then take that information and ask the Lord for confirmation.
Your Challenge
The fact is you have a ridiculously bright and amazing future with the only limits being YOU. If you believe in yourself, you can make it happen.
“You must believe in yourself. Don’t give in when the going is rough, for you are laying the foundation of a great work, and that great work is your life.”
Elder David B. Haight, “A Time for Preparation,” Ensign, November 1991, 38
So the challenge friends, is to make a vision board for your life!
It can be a vision for your life this year… it can be a vision for what your life will look like in five years… or it can be an eternal vision board. Make it whatever you want and whatever will motivate you the most!
If you’d like some help creating your vision board, I’ve created a free guide that includes over 40 cute quotes and phrases to use on your vision board. Grab it at www.rubygirl.org/visionboard
