I recently attended the 360 Woman Africa Conference in Lagos, and let’s just say—Mr. Fela Durotoye didn’t come to play. His session on vision left me taking notes like a university student preparing for an exam. I had so many “uhmn…”, “ahaa…”, and “oh my God” moments that I almost ran out of page space.
But here’s the truth: what he shared wasn’t just motivational—it was transformational. It made me rethink what I’ve always believed about success, purpose, and yes, vision.
So, let’s talk about it.
What Exactly Is Vision?
Many people think vision is just a dream or goal—something you want to happen someday. But Fela Durotoye defined it in a much deeper way.
A vision is a clear mental picture of a preferred future—something so vivid, so meaningful, and so valuable that you’re willing to endure pain, tears, disappointments, and rejections for it, and it will still be worth it.
That’s how you know it’s real.
It’s the kind of dream that keeps you awake at night and wakes you up in the morning. It pulls you forward, even when your circumstances try to push you back.
Revelation Is Not Transformation
Sometimes your vision starts as a whisper—something you hear or see that doesn’t fully make sense in the moment. You know those times when someone says something and it just hits you differently? You go: “uhmn…”, “ahaa…”, or “oooh my God!”
That’s revelation.
But revelation alone doesn’t change your life. You can have goosebumps for days and still remain stuck if you don’t follow revelation with decision.
Because revelation births nothing until you take action.
This is where Fela introduced something he called your “packing list.” It’s a metaphorical way of saying: take inventory of your life.
Ask yourself:
- What do I need to stop doing?
- What should I start doing?
- And what should I continue doing better?
There is no real vision without exchange. You must be willing to give up something today—comfort, habits, or even relationships—for the future you desire.
That’s where transformation begins.
Vision vs. Ambition: Know the Difference
This part stung a little.
A lot of leaders—and I’ll admit, even I’ve been guilty of this—confuse ambition with vision. They’re not the same thing.
Ambition is self-focused. Vision is others-focused.
Ambition says, “I want to succeed.”
Vision says, “I want others to succeed because of what I build.”
Ambition demands personal loyalty. Vision inspires collective loyalty.
A true vision generates its own tribe—people who catch the fire and run with it. Even if you step aside, they’ll carry it on because it’s no longer your vision, it’s our vision.
That’s how you know it’s bigger than you.
The Hidden Cost of Having a Vision
Here’s the ironic thing: vision costs nothing to have, but most people still don’t have one.
Fela said about eight out of ten people have no vision—they’re only chasing provision. And the tragedy is that they don’t realize that provision follows vision.
Everyone wants the money, resources, and opportunities first. But that’s like trying to cash a cheque before writing your name on it.
Provision comes as a reward for clarity.
When you know your vision, you attract everything you need to make it happen—people, ideas, and yes, resources.
The SMART Way to See Vision
Fela gave an interesting twist to the usual “SMART goals” idea. He said your vision should be SMART too—but not in the traditional sense of Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
He defined SMART as:
- Significant – It must matter deeply.
- Meaningful – It should connect to something beyond yourself.
- Audacious – It should scare you a little (or a lot).
- Record-setting – It should push boundaries and inspire new standards.
- Treasured – You must value it enough to protect and nurture it.
A vision that doesn’t stretch you won’t grow you.
The Cycle of Vision: From Problem to Prosperity
Now, this part hit differently because it explained why some people remain stuck despite their hard work.
Every vision follows a five-step cycle:
- Problem – There’s always a gap or challenge that needs fixing.
- Solution – Your vision offers a way to solve that problem.
- Value – Your solution creates impact and improvement.
- Wealth – Value attracts provision; people pay for what helps them.
- Prosperity – True wealth is when your impact creates wealth for others.
Wherever you see poverty, you’ll also find a problem that nobody is solving—or a problem that has never been solved effectively.
So, if you want to break the cycle of lack—stop chasing money and start chasing meaning.
Provision doesn’t come from wishing; it comes from solving problems that matter to people.
When you shape your vision, ask yourself:
- What problem am I solving?
- Who am I solving it for?
- What value does it bring to others?
The clearer your answers, the stronger your vision—and the easier your provision will follow.
Final Thoughts: Vision Creates Provision
What I took away from Fela Durotoye’s message is simple yet profound:
Stop chasing provision. Start chasing vision.
Ambition will get you applause, but vision will leave a legacy.
Vision doesn’t die when you do—it multiplies in others. It becomes a movement, a mission, a message that continues long after you’ve stepped off the stage.
So, if you’re in a season where you feel stuck or uncertain, don’t look for the next opportunity. Look for the next revelation—and have the courage to make a decision about it.
Because in the end, your provision is hidden in your vision.
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