7 Steps for Living Your Vision

Learning to use your vision to control your direction is the first lesson new motorcycle riders are taught. The same principles apply to life and for the same reason: you’re drawn to where you’re looking.

Establishing a vision based on your interests and desires, then taking the steps to reach that destination pave the way for you to get there.

7 Steps for Living Your Vision

1. Create your vision. Unless you know where you’re going, how are you supposed to get there? Determine what it is you want to do and write it down. Then begin moving towards it by establishing sub-goals. Even if it’s something completely different than what you’re currently doing, now is the time to follow your heart’s desire. Use the lessons from the past to create the future you want. 9 Considerations for Goal Setting

2. Balance long-term goals with short-term needs. Like riding a motorcycle safely, fulfilling your goals requires keeping an eye to the future as well as the present. Constantly scanning your environment prepares you to respond to curves, traffic and the unexpected. At the same time, look well down the road and focus on your destination. 9 Ways Motorcycles Teach Us to Balance Short and Long Term Goals

3. Keep a clear line of sight. The closer obstacles are, the bigger they seem and the more they occlude your vision. Cleaning accumulated bugs, dirt and fog on motorcycle windscreens and visors opens up your line of sight. Adjusting your speed when parked cars, road signs and outcrops block your vision marks a proficient rider. Fear, worry and opinions of others are but a few of the options that can obstruct your vision. Acknowledge and set them aside so you can see where you’re going. 9 Interferences with Line of Sight

4. Recognize distractions. Allowing them to capture your attention puts you at risk and jeopardizes your success at reaching your destination. Remember you go where your eyes are looking. Keep them on your road. 9 Distractions that Put You At Risk

5. Understand your circle of control. The only thing you can control in life is the choices you make. Although you can influence events and experiences, you can’t control the weather, the economy or your boss’s decision. Focus on what you can control, keeping your vision in mind as you make choices in response to external events. 9 Choices Within Your Circle of Control

6. Wear protection. Wise riders wear eye protection of some sort. Your eyes are not built to take wind, bugs, dust and stones, even at slow speeds. Protecting your vision on your life’s Road is no different. No one else can do what you’re here to do and being proactive is the best defense against the challenges you’ll encounter along the way. 9 Ways to Protect Your Vision

7. Watch your speed. The faster you ride, the less time you have to react to unexpected events. Even if you are looking well down the road, reducing your speed allows you to get the most out of the present. Safely. Life passes by quickly enough as it is. Slow down and enjoy it. 9 Reasons Slowing Down Supports Your Vision

Life’s road is full of adventure, curves, obstacles – and rewards. While there may be areas of construction, detours and unexpected delays, making these steps the basis of your actions means living your vision.

photo credit: kevin dooley via photopin cc