"Give us clear vision that we may know where to stand and what to stand for- because unless we stand for something we shall fall for anything” - Peter Marshall.

Having a compelling vision of a future that is in line with your values, interests and desires gives you an edge in bringing it into reality.

Three years ago my life changed when I realized I wasn’t living life the way I had to. I wasn’t making use of my mind, energy and knowledge by engaging in positive educative activities.

I never had long-term goals to target because I was a ‘today guy’. Until the time I made a decision to live a purpose driven life, I would never have played my music.

I got inspiration from my friends, great and visionary leaders like H.E Paul Kagame, Hassan Kibirango, my parents, my classmates, a sweeper at my former school and many other people who are organized: People who think about the society first before thinking about themselves.

This motivated me to always live to the fullest of my potential and trust God at all times because where man fails, God doesn’t. I was sick and tired of being "sick and tired” of routine.

It’s then that I decided to learn what made successful people, successful. Starting from my grown up friends; I found out that, they work their brains and body out…whew!

That was a great lesson, "keep moving... better is not enough, the best is yet to come.”  I discovered two things, or principles that every successful person I knew possessed, and sometimes they didn’t even know it themselves but they were sure enough utilizing them.

One of those things was having a vision. Having a vision is possibly the most powerful way to maintain a focus on what it is you really want out of life and keeping you motivated to achieve that goal.

Taking the time to visualize the end result can yield a certain clarity, inspiration, and direction that elude many people who often experience anxiety and frustration as a result of having no real vision for themselves.

Another addition issue is age (for teens). If we did not know our age, some of us would appear to be very young, and some of us would seem very old.

Sometimes, people use age as a convenient excuse. "I’m too old to start something new” or, "I couldn’t learn that at my age.”

Other people, go on to achieve their greatest accomplishments in life in later years. Feelings lead to attitudes, attitudes become beliefs, and beliefs become the basis for actions no matter what your age. "It is how you feel, how you think, and what you do that is important…don’t count your years...make your years count.” some said…lol

So, how does one go about developing their vision? Well, it starts with knowing what you want, what you really want. Where do you see yourself down the road? Wealthy? Healthy? Picture your life; get your vision really clear and specific. In fact, write it down.

Your vision becomes much more powerful when you can put pen to paper and archive that memory. Refer back often so you can see yourself already in possession of that life.

A well defined vision helps you focus; it creates a purpose and becomes a measurement for success. And yes! Since there are always things clamoring for your attention, it’s easy to dismiss the principle of creating a vision but the question then becomes: Do you want to run your life or do you want your life to run you?

All too often it’s the outside influences that disconnect us from our deeper values, purpose, potentials, and wisdom.
A powerful, current, up-to-date vision; one that really connects with your deepest passions and triggers your highest potential will help you to know why you’re doing what you’re doing, regardless of what’s going on outside of yourself or the challenges presented to you at any given time.

The author is a student at Lycee de Kigali Secondary School.
jamiefrings@yahoo.com