WYSIWYG - This is not a typo WYSIWYG - pronounced WIZ-zee-wig Meaning - What You See Is What You Get.
You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus. – Mark Twain
Many years ago when I began using computers, print preview did not work quite as well as it does today. You would receive all indications that your document would fit perfectly on the page and print with the right font, yet when the document was printed you had a different output. Then came the introduction of a program called WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get), which gave you a real picture of what your output would be. Print preview really became a view of things to come.
This made all the difference, as you could make necessary adjustments before printing, thus saving time, effort and resources. Many of our goals are first accomplished in our minds before they ever see the light of day. By first using our imaginations, we can thoughtfully decide what resources we will need, create an imaginary timeline, and have a mental snap shot of our success. The principle of WYSIWYG can help you accomplish your dreams in the following way:
DOWN THE PERISCOPE
Zoom in -Take a periscopic look at your life and get a clear picture of where you are now. Is this where you want to be? Ask yourself, “What’s wrong with this picture?”
DETERMINE THE ALTERNATE OUTCOME –THE PRINT VERSION Zoom out – If you have decided that you do not like what you see, the next step is to correct the image.
DREAM BIG.
Imagine reading about yourself in the paper five or ten years from now. What would the headline say? What will you be known for? As you see the new vision of yourself in print, are you happy with the results? Create an actual headline, print it, and keep it visible. This will help you to stay motivated.
BRAINSTORM
After you have envisioned your future, start brainstorming (thinking creatively) about action steps you can take to get the desired results. It really is step-by-step. Think outside the box, break the mold, defy traditional approaches and redefine your comfort zone. Don’t allow complacency to lull you into inactivity. Make a quality decision to denounce mediocrity. In life you can either be a byline or a headline. Reach for the stars and be a headline.
MAKE CHANGES
Understand the changes that are required to transform your present reality into the vision you have for the future. Be honest about needed resources. As you make changes with the vision clear in your mind, celebrate your milestones and remain energized.
SET EXPECTATIONS
Now that you have applied the principles of WYSIWYG, understand that what you see is really what you will get. If you see failure, you will get failure. If you see success, you will get success. There is a simple principle at work: what you see (envision) is what you think, then what you think is what you do, then what you do is how you feel, and how you feel is what you see. And the cycle continues. Go WYSIWYG-ing today and focus your energies until your vision comes to pass!
©2006 Donnett Ekwerike
