On Clarity of Vision

I’ve worn glasses or contacts since about 5th grade.  Recent tests showed I had 20/70 vision, which means I could see at 20 feet what correct vision sees at 70 feet away.  It was simply a fact of life that performing basic tasks such as driving or working required wearing some form of lens.

I recently gathered up my courage and had Lasik done at Memorial Eye Institute in Harrisburg, PA.  The staff was professional and kind – though I was terrified the entire time, I knew I was in good hands.  (Unsolicited plug:  if you are considering this procedure, I enthusiastically recommend them.)

Post-surgery I am seeing around 20/20 or even 20/15, which is slightly better than “normal” vision.

Quality of life improved almost immediately – no more fiddling around in the mornings or evenings with contacts, no more wondering is this stupid thing inside-out or do I have an eyelash?  I can look up and see the outline of leaves against blue sky, which is one of the most beautiful sights in the world.  The Harrisburg skyline has never been so striking.  Even my health has improved – I’m able to run in the mornings or evenings without concern for drying lenses or sweaty glasses.

Let’s step over into a management setting for a minute.

What does it mean when you talk about your vision of the future?  Who do you trust for insight into a difficult situation?  What challenge can you describe as, “I saw it coming?”

So much ties into clear sight, literally or metaphorically.  Where do you go when your leadership vision needs to be sharpened?

Here is one tool I’d like to share with you:  The Life Mission Statement Worksheet.  I go through it about once a year to reflect on my priorities and make sure my daily choices support them.

I lived with poor eyesight so long I subconsciously accepted and shouldered the various burdens inherent to it.  Today, quality of life has improved dramatically in ways I wouldn’t have even imagined.  The contrast is so clear now, I wonder what I’m missing when my leadership vision gets cloudy.

If this post makes you think or you have practical tools for clarifying vision, please feel free to share in the comments or drop a note in my box.