I was working with a client today who's got a vision that would move any man, woman, or child to tears. Truly, no exaggeration. I spent an hour in goose bumps. As we get more into his work and he wishes to take it broader, I'll likely share a bit more about it, but in the meantime, thought I'd share one of the key themes from the call. Not one of us is immune to this gift/tool/resource...What is it? The Energy of Vision...and 3 guiding principles that help move it forward:

• You've got to believe in your vision. No matter what...Believe.
• And then you've got to be willing to do the work to make it happen...Lead.
• And when the going gets tough, honor the emotions you have with it, and "climb back on"...Recover...

Why? Because, first of all, if you don't, who will? As the leader of your business and your life, you have to be the driver of your vision, the one to get folks engaged, the one making things happen, the one who believes. You're the one that brings energy to the vision...and if it's a true vision - if it's congruent - that vision will bring energy to you. If you can do that, those around you will feel the heat and follow. They'll likely line up to lead it with you (after all, just because it's your vision, doesn't mean you have to do it all alone! Quite the opposite actually!)

As you've heard me say many times over, "energy is contagious" - it's no different here with the energy of a vision. The true, heartfelt energy of a good vision, authentically expressed, can be felt and "seen" by others. And it works both ways, if you're not believing it, if you're doubting it, if you let the naysayers in, if you shy away and play small...they feel that too. It's easy to forget the bigness of heartfelt visions...and to doubt ourselves - we all do it, we're human after all - what's important is to notice when it's happening, to identify why, to re-engage, to stay the course, to plant the seeds, to do the work, to believe, to be grateful, and to be patient. That's it.

This isn't to say that there won't be days when you question it, fear it, or even curse it...often these feelings just come from being on the edge of a comfort zone and making something even bigger happen. Sometimes the feelings come from being "burnt out" and just needing some conscious disengagement time. Sometimes they come from the sheer vulnerability of a heartfelt vision and how dear and meaningful it can be to us. Whatever the case for you, you can recognize the feelings, acknowledge them authentically, give yourself some space, and then do what you need to do to take care of yourself or "climb back on." The trick is in the self-awareness and the commitment at a deeper level to keep leaning back into that vision. The trick is in paying attention to the energy of the vision for yourself and making sure that it stays alive and congruent with what you really want. The trick is in keeping it real. And having the courage to keep going, despite fear, uncertainty, and doubt.

Food for thought. What is your vision? What are you believing in and what are you willing to do to make it happen? What are you willing to do to get better at it? To be the best? How long are you willing to be uncomfortable? Possibly unappreciated? Misunderstood? Even "unseen"? In service of making what you believe...happen? What will you do to bring your energy back up when you experience doubt? And when you've succeeded in your vision, how will you know? Happy visioning. Happy energy. Happy living. Happy unfolding.