Tip #47D: Have Vision!
The next pillar of the 7 Pillars of Manhood is Vision (see the first pillar here). When I say "vision" I'm not talking about the ability to see physically. In order to be an effective man, you need to have vision as it relates to foresight, insight, but you must watch out for the dreadful oversight. Let's take a look at each of these.
Foresight-It's the ability to see ahead. It's kinda like watching a trailer before actually seeing the full-length movie. Having a preview of where you're headed is pretty important as it gives you hope for where you're going. The good news is that you get to make the movie (and the trailer). It starts by planning and making good decisions (see links below for other articles I wrote for more info on this). Having foresight makes you think about your decisions a little more closely. A simple "how will making this decision help or hurt my future" can help you out.
Insight-It's the ability to see things for what they really are, aka wisdom. I recently sat down with a young man and used this analogy: if you see a tree with lemons on it, no one has to tell you that it's a lemon tree. You recognize the lemons and you know it's a lemon tree. The problem is when someone puts a tag on the tree that says it's a cherry tree. Well, a cherry tree produces cherries not lemons. Insight is the ability to recognize that a lemon tree produces lemons and not cherries. As a teen, you're faced with a lot of "smoke in mirrors" (look it up) and your job is to figure out the truth.
Oversight-Unfortunately, this is the opposite of insight. It means you've overlooked something and missed out on some info. As a result, there will always be consequences. Since there is no shortage of info available, having foresight and insight is very important. The phrase "I didn't know" doesn't amount to much anymore. Grab onto those wise adults around you, do some research, and listen to the "still small voice" in your head that lets you know when something isn't right. It helps you keep from glossing over the important details of a situation.
P.K. Bernard says it this way "A man without a vision is a man without a future. A man without a future will always return to his past." My hope is that as you read this post, you develop a keen sight of what lies ahead for you. Trust me, it looks good (I have 20/20 vision).
Written 7/22/2015 by John Weaver