- “Continue to See it. Believe it. Achieve it." ~ Janelle
Soar Into Greatness
There is something about eagles that I have always been drawn to. Despite the fact that the Bald Eagle is the national emblem of the United States, is admired as the living symbol of freedom and power, and is a spiritual symbol to many, subconsciously I’ve always assimilated this massive winged bird with greatness. When was researching animals to display on my vision board, I chose the eagle and the lion. I found many images of these powerful creatures in a poised position, waiting for the opportunity to attack their prey. But I preferred images that depicted them in action - the lion was charging forward and the eagle was soaring
While learning about this magnificent bird which has over 60 different species, its significance was illuminated as it relates to my life and the lives of leaders. They have keen vision, are courageous and are transcendent.
Keen Vision
The eyes of an eagle are unique in that they are disproportionately large in comparison to their head, and have very large pupils. Their eyes are designed to see long distance with such focus and clarity that they can see 50 miles away.
Interestingly, my company’s name is Vision Enterprise. When I was brainstorming a company name, “Vision” was chosen for two reasons:
1. I knew that the desire to be an entrepreneur was not my idea, but God’s “vision” for my life.
2. A successful leader must be a visionary, having unusually keen foresight.
Courageous
Eagles are fearless – they are courageous. They don’t back down from a challenge, but fight to overtake their prey.
Likewise, successful leaders are courageous, facing problems head on. They may feel fear, but they don’t let it paralyze them – they move forward and triumph over it.
Transcendent
Eagles are transcendent, surpassing ordinary limits. Only eagles are able to fly up to an altitude of 10,000 feet. In the midst of a storm, birds fearfully fly away from the storm, except the eagle which spreads and flaps its massive wings, using the current to fly toward and above it, soaring to greater heights.
Like eagles, leaders face challenges and storms that require us to rise above them. We can only rise to greater heights by facing the storms in our lives and addressing its elements, determined to overcome and be victorious.
We may not all be called to be entrepreneurs, but each of us has a responsibility to function as a leader in some aspects of our lives. Amongst many other characteristics that are intrinsic to being a successful leader, we must be mindful to maintain keen vision, be courageous and transcendent, like the eagle.
As leaders, there are times when we are faced with so many challenges that we get worn down. But it’s during these times that we must seek God to revitalize us. When we are depleted, we have assurance that we can call upon God to renew our strength and power to soar into greatness.