Your Vision Needs Spark

Your vision needs a spark. It doesn’t need a blaze.
Why Does Your Vision Need a Spark?
Life often presents challenges. You may be doing well, achieving your goals, and feeling confident in your journey. However, setbacks can arise—unexpected failures, wrong decisions, or personal losses—that drain motivation and make it tempting to give up.
During such moments, you might start questioning yourself. Self-doubt creeps in, and continuing forward seems difficult.
Lessons from Steph Barnes
Author Steph Barnes shares a similar experience in her book, “How to Spark Influences: Your Vision.” She explains that anyone can feel “lost in the wind”— losing self-confidence, identity, stability, or even social and financial standing.
When life brings us to our lowest point, we often feel grounded and overwhelmed. However, this moment of struggle can also be an opportunity to learn, unlearn, and relearn. The key to regaining clarity? A mentor.
The Role of a Mentor
When facing hardship, isolation may feel like the easiest option. However, finding a mentor can reignite the lost spark. A mentor offers fresh perspectives, guidance, and wisdom—helping you navigate difficulties and rediscover your vision.
Steph Barnes shares a personal example: after losing her husband and job, she felt lost. However, her friend and mentor, David, helped her gain a new perspective. She emphasizes the importance of seeking help rather than struggling alone.
Embracing Your Feelings
One crucial lesson Barnes shares is the need to acknowledge and process emotions rather than suppress them.
- Allow yourself to feel every emotion—even the difficult ones.
- Understand your emotions and process them with self-compassion.
- Let go of thoughts that hold you back and relearn new perspectives.
By staying in touch with your emotions, you can realign yourself with your vision and prevent internalizing pain.
Be Open to Counseling
Counseling doesn’t have to come from a professional. It can be found in:
- Books that inspire you.
- A lifelong friend who understands you.
- A mentor who offers wisdom and guidance.
Seeking guidance helps you become more articulate, understand the power of receiving help, and develop a renewed sense of purpose.
Developing Empathy
Steph Barnes highlights the importance of empathy:
- Check on friends who might be struggling.
- Call them, send a message, or have a video call.
- Show kindness by offering support and encouragement.
Unlike sympathy, which comes from a position of superiority, empathy comes from equality. By showing genuine concern, you uplift others while gaining deeper insight into life’s struggles.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Spark
Finding your spark requires persistence and self-encouragement. To reignite your vision, remember:
- Be consistent in your efforts.
- Stay faithful to your goals.
- Be honest with yourself.
- Encourage yourself and others.
- Allow yourself time to heal and grow.
By embracing these steps, you cultivate a strong, influential mindset and bring renewed energy to your life’s vision.