by Katie Pearson
I’m not setting new goals this January – I’m writing a Vision Statement. My twenty years in the yoga industry have taught me a lot about what it takes to actualize good intentions, and that the best laid plans can easily go sideways. We’ve all seen the gyms empty and new exercise enthusiasts go back to their morning coffee routine come February. So what is the secret to carrying a resolution full term? Instead of starting with what you want to change in the New Year, ask God where your life is going and what His plans are for your future. Then, work backwards to come up with a plan to actualize your greater purpose. Knowing why you are setting goals is the key to staying motivated in reaching them.
This fall I read Andy Stanley’s book, Visioneering, which applies the story of Nehemiah’s call to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem to modern day visionaries. I’ve always admired Nehemiah for his courage to leave his life of comfort to serve a community of strangers, and his utter dependence on God for provision in terms of assistance and protection. Nehemiah possessed holy confidence. That kind of courage can only be fueled by a clear picture of something greater waiting to come to life. The vision God gave Nehemiah of a physically and spiritually restored community of worshippers glorifying the name of God motivated Nehemiah to risk everything.
The more inspired I became by Nehemiah’s story, the more I realized I ached to have a larger purpose for my own life, particularly as I turn 50 and face an empty nest. The last five years were about survival, starting with the death of my father, and then two major moves, a grievously sick daughter, and major changes at work. My fear and concern over immediate circumstances shut down my courage to take risks for tomorrow. As a result, I demoted myself from leading a life on the front lines for God, to simply managing it. Grief is a necessary response to loss, but it’s meant to be temporary. It is time to ask God for the vision He has for my life and start living again – on purpose.
Visions keep us focused on the possibilities, not the problems of the day.
Why do so many start out so passionate about reaching a short-term goal, then lose heart? The reason is because passion is enough to push us forward, but not pull us in the direction of God’s greater plan for our lives. I’ve seen more yoga instructors emotionally derailed by an injury or illness – even if it promises to be short-term. When we are aware of the greater purpose for our lives and callings, then temporary setbacks become opportunities for self-awareness, greater compassion for our clients, and invitations to source from God, not our own strength and ability. Visions keep us focused on the possibilities, not the problems of the day.
One of the biggest risks I have taken in the past was leaving a job that I loved because the “still, small voice” inside said it was no longer the Lord’s plan for my life. I was compromising my core values of faith and family for “success”. One primary truths regarding visions is that they usually require sacrifice. God isn’t interested in deflating us – He wants to cultivate dependency. That way, when His plans come to fruition, we celebrate Him, not ourselves. Two weeks after I submitted my resignation, God opened the door to join Holy Yoga. Oftentimes obedience precedes revelation of His plans to move forward.
Think big. What is the thing God has created you alone to do? Publish a book? Start a business? Coach a team to a championship? Keep asking God, “What else?” and courageously accept what’s next. He will equip you for the calling if you are willing to embrace the challenge.
Goals can often be accomplished solo, but visions require community. And where there is community, there’s a need to lead. If leadership scares you, give yourself grace as great leaders aren’t born, but developed. Embrace the obstacles, including criticism, fear and doubt, as opportunities to redefine God’s direction and draw closer to Him through His Word. Pray about inviting others to join you in envisioning the dream God has given you, and offer them a role. Allow yourself to be surprised by those individuals He provides to be on your team, and welcome everyone from prayer partners to donors. Nehemiah rebuilt the wall with an army of kingdom-minded individuals with varying gifts and strengths, not a construction company. Keep asking and acting in joyful obedience. Like Nehemiah, one day you will find yourself standing on top of the wall singing God’s praises and celebrating with lifelong friends.
Ready to write your Vision Statement? Here are some helpful tips:
- Pray first. Then keep praying. Sometimes the Holy Spirit reveals visions over a period of time. When He does, own it.
- Remember, visions are nouns, not verbs. What is the “thing” God has called you to create or accomplish?
- Vision statements are short and concise. For example, “I envision a Christ-centered yoga studio”, or “I envision a wellness program for overwhelmed ministry leaders”.
- Consider your strengths, gifts, life experiences and the desires of your heart. These are often signposts pointing toward your vision.
- Expect to be moved outside your comfort zone – it should be beyond the status quo.
- Ensure that it is in line with God’s standards of integrity and excellence. A God-given vision will never contradict scriptural teaching.
- Finally, even if it’s not perfectly clear, share it! Declaration invites further clarity and gives the vision legs to move forward.
Expect to move outside of your comfort zone – it should be beyond the status quo.
Everyone who seeks God has a vision for their life. Oftentimes, God reveals numerous visions related to different areas of our lives, from work to family. It’s up to you to discover where God is leading – and for you to step into leadership. As a woman turning 50 this year, a Christian Life Coach, Holy Yoga Trainer and mother, I want to look beyond 2019 to discover who I am still becoming, and embrace the greater purpose for my life! Will you join me?
If you are interested in pursuing more Leadership Development, join me for the next training beginning March 15, 2019. Everyone is welcome! Go to https://holyyoga.net/training/leadership-development-training/ for more information and to register.
