It’s the beginning of the year, which is time for our students to create their vision boards. We always get some very cool and inspiring boards with what our students envision for themselves in the future. There’s pictures of nice houses, pickup trucks, black belts, doctors, police officers, places to travel, etc. We love to spark our student’s imaginations for a wonderful future, so that they can begin to build it now. As Albert Einstein said: “Imagination is everything, it is the preview of life’s coming attractions.”

However, there’s always a student or two who would rather skip the assignment and ask: “Sensei, is this required? Do I have to do it?” After hearing this a few times in the past, I decided to give the students a different perspective on why we do Vision Boards, since it is, in fact, not mandatory.

Last week, when a student asked that question at the end of class, I answered: “No, the Vision Board is not mandatory, one can always choose to be mediocre. Do you know what mediocre means?” Shaking his head “no”, I continued, “Mediocre means that we can choose to do the minimum, just enough to get by. Some people are okay with that, but you must know that it is your choice. Today, you can choose to be extraordinary, you can choose to want more for yourself and your family. To be someone who can help and inspire others. If you want to be great, it takes work, it takes time, but first it takes imagination. You have to construct your future in your mind first. Then put it down in words, then in drawings and pictures, then bring them all together on a poster board that you can look at every day. It will remind you of your goals and purpose, so you can work towards those every day.” He smiled, said, “Okay”, and left. We shall see…

The reverse psychology doesn’t always work, but it remains true. Through my half a century of life I have encountered many amazing individuals, men and women who by their discipline, ingenuity, and courage, have achieved great things in their personal and professional lives. I have also met mediocre people who are “just fine” with what they are and have, and yet I’ve met others (the under-achievers) who are totally unhappy about everything but will do nothing to change it. The difference is that the first group realized that being great is a choice, one that requires work and sacrifice, a sacrifice not everyone is willing to make.

So today, as in every day, NO, you don’t have to read that book, you don’t have to exercise, you don’t have to attend the seminar, take the class, put the extra effort at work, school, or your training, and no, you don’t have to create a vision board. YOU can choose to be mediocre…or you can choose to be extraordinary. What will it be?