“What do you want to be when you grow up?” As a child we are asked that at least once in our lives before the age of 10. The most common responses at that age are driven from people of influence within our community that we admire or have close interaction with, such as a teacher, police officer or fireman, etc. Responses can also be driven off of pure emulation such as a singer, dancer or sports figure, etc.
I remember being asked that very question by my mother, and I said I wanted to be a lawyer. I wanted to be a lawyer because Clair Huxtable from the Cosby Show was a lawyer, she dressed nice AND I wanted to have the furniture in the Huxtable residence. I know, it was a stretch, but hey – it was an honest answer at the time. As I grew older then I realized I didn’t want to be a lawyer because let’s face it, the Cosby Show was not a “law based” television show. I realized I wanted to be what Clair Huxtable represented to me; a beautiful successful woman of color on TV every Sunday at 8pm on NBC…yes, I remember 😉 …conception of a vision!
The vision that shaped my future was my college selection. I wanted to go the college featured on the Cosby Show spin-off, A Different World. Yes, I was going to Hillman. Clair Huxtable went to Hillman, I wanted to be successful, and so that’s where I had to go. I was so disappointed to learn Hillman College didn’t exist, BUT I knew I wanted to go to a college like Hillman, so I did. I attended and graduated from an HBCU Johnson C. Smith University, and yes it was pretty close to Hillman’s persona on TV.
I believe that time and life are the only constants in the world. Life happens, in time…PERIOD! We can’t control nor turn back the hands of time. But I believe we can CREATE the vision that shapes the course of our lives, which is a direct manifestation of the greatness from within. I am a successful woman of color, just like Clair Huxtable; who graduated from a college, just like Hillman…victory in the vision!
Benefits of Vision Boards:
1. Speak it; Write it down: Your vision…your board. Get a Sharpie. GET TO JOTTIN!
2. Visual Learners: Put those old magazines or current subscriptions to good use; the house(s), the car, vacation spots, power words, phrases, etc. Get some scissors. CUT IT OUT…don’t forget your tape 😉
3. Placement: Unless your garage is your creative space, your vision board does NOT belong there…out of sight, out of mind. You should place your board where you are most creative, draw inspiration from or frequently visit. Set your sights on the vision (board)…MAKE IT HAPPEN!
4. Family Fun: Get the family involved in goal setting. Make a weekend out of it. It’s a great way to spend quality time with your children while teaching them the importance of goal setting. Parents, in return you must be an active participant in guiding decisions that are geared towards their goals. If you have a spouse, again, a great way to spend quality time together, “relationship check-ups” are harmless and keep you on target as a couple.
5. Accountability: YOU MUST BE A PART OF YOUR OWN RESCUE! If you take the time to go through the motions of setting the goals; you owe it to yourself to give it your ALL.
