Blog Topic #4 - VISION

Contrary to what other students may have thought about the video, yes it may have been corny at times and somewhat “brainwashing,” however, I thought the overall message was clear and it was a great film. I thought it was a great motivational tool. The narrator emphasized the importance of having vision, an idea of the future on an individual and communal basis. I thought it was interesting to see the correlation between students who have vision and their performance in school. Students with a vision tended to be more successful in the future, going to college, getting a job after they graduate etc. The video also spoke about vision in the workplace. Companies must have a strong vision on developing their business long term, which often requires planning and specific goal setting. I can relate the video to my own personal experience. I remember as far back as Elementary school we were asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” A baseball player! That was my dream, my vision, and at that time I willing to put in the effort by practicing and playing year-round. It may not have seemed imperative that we define a specific profession, but just the idea of having a vision helped us to develop into who we are.

“Vision without action is just a dream, Action without vision merely wastes time. Vision coupled with action can change the world!” If you think about it, this quote seems perfectly logical and easy to understand. It takes more then just vision to make something happen. As the quote says, “Vision without action is a just a dream,” the person must being willing to work for whatever he or she desires. It’s great to have a vision, but without taking the necessary steps to fulfill that vision, it is simply just a dream. One must take action towards achieving that goal. For example, I always wanted to be a starting pitcher in the MLB. This was my vision when I was younger. Obviously, it didn’t seem likely, considering the less then .01% who make it to the majors, but I was willing to work for it. I practiced every night and played baseball all through high school; I was taking the action necessary to fulfill my vision. The quote says, “Action without vision merely wastes time;” this part of the quote defines the importance of planning and goal setting. Knowing what you want to do from a young age can be difficult; however, it is essential to have some sort of direction. “Vision coupled with action can change the world,” this is a deadly combination, in a good way. The video tells the viewers that by having a vision and taking the action towards that vision can really make a difference in society.

MY VISION:
- Earning a Master’s Degree. I don’t know exactly know yet what I’m definitely going to study, but I know it will be in either tax or finance, possibly an MBA. I’m fortunate to have an internship which hopefully will offer me a full time position with the company once I graduate. If I was to join the company, they have a tuition assistance program which will help me pay for my schooling. Woo no student loans!

- Getting my CPA license. Ever since I was in high school, I knew this is what I wanted to do. Yes, it does sound lame, I will give you that. I’ve always been a numbers person and I’m not the best reader/writer, so this profession works for me! The necessary action I’m taking towards my vision includes, working at my internship, earning my bachelor’s degree in accounting, and going for my master’s degree.

- Owning my own place. Yes, moving out of my parents house! It seems kind of scary to think about it, I’ve been living there for the first 21 years of my life. I’m taking action by earning my degree, which will allow me to have a full-time job. That’s really what college is about right? With the money I earn from my job, I will be able to afford the daily expenses which come from owning your own house. Even though LI is quite expensive, I would like to continue living here under my own roof! I am taking the necessary action by going to school and earning a degree which will allow me to get a job once I graduate.

- Starting a Family. This is definitely too early to beginning thinking about, however it doesn’t hurt to have this vision in the back of your mind. I would like to have a family where I can watch my kids play sports and be a Dad. That is a scary thought. Haha. But, the time will eventually come and I’m looking forward to taking on that responsibility.

- Travelling the world. Okay, maybe not the entire world, but there are few places which I would like to see. I've never been out of the country and I would love to see what California looks like...I only get to see what they show me on TV. I work for a UK based company, maybe I will spend a few years after I graduate working over in Europe. That would be a blast!

I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make my vision a reality. I know there will be some tough obstacles in place, but I’m willing to work hard and achieve my goals. Confidence and Trust are two characters which are necessary to making your vision a reality.

I leave my fellow blog readers with this, go out and find your starfish. Never be afraid to take on an opportunity, which may benefit you in the future. With the right vision and the correct action towards achieving that goal, each one of us can make a difference, we can change the world.