Byron's Babbles

“Unfortunately, he had a strong aversion to the status quo whenever the status quo wasn’t as good as he thought it should be.” This was said of Dee Hock, founder of the Visa Credit Card, in VISA: The Power of An Idea by Paul Chutkow. This young leader didn’t have the resume’ yet and was searching for his place in the financial industry. Long story short, to solve a number of issues with credit cards, at the time, in 1979 he brought together a global group of friends called the visa family and rebranded a credit card called Visa. This enabled this young leader and entrepreneur to find a place to apply his vision.

Finding our place to apply our vision involves self-reflection, exploration, and a willingness to take risks. Here are a few steps that can help:

1. Self-reflection: We must take the time to understand our passions, values, and strengths. What drives us? What are our core beliefs? This self-awareness will guide us in finding a cause or field that aligns with our vision.
2. Explore different areas: Trying out different experiences, internships, or volunteer opportunities in fields of interest will give us a taste of different environments. This helps us understand what resonates the most.
3. Seek mentorship: Find mentors or individuals who are already working in areas aligned with our vision. In Hock’s case, he put together his Visa family. They can provide guidance, share their own experiences, and help navigate the path toward goals.
4. Embrace a growth mindset: Be open to learning and adapting along the way. Our visions will involve learning and evolve as we gain more knowledge and experience. We must stay curious and embrace new opportunities that come our way.
5. Take calculated risks: Applying our personal vision may require us stepping outside of our comfort zone. We must not be afraid to take calculated risks and pursue opportunities that align with our goals. Remember, setbacks and failures are part of any journey, so don’t get discouraged.
6. Connections and collaboration: Build connections with like-minded individuals or organizations. Again, think back to Hock’s Visa family. Collaborating with others who share a similar vision can help amplify our impact and open doors to new opportunities.
7. Stay committed: Finding our place to apply our vision(s)can take time and persistence. We need to stay committed to our goals and keep taking steps towards them, even if the path is not always clear. If we trust in our abilities and believe in the impact we can make, we will make a difference.

Remember, finding our own place to apply our vision is a personal journey. It may take time and experimentation, but with determination and perseverance, we can find the right path to fulfill our vision.