Too many people never try to create what matters to them. They believe it’s impossible to make their vision a reality because of their “circumstances.” So they focus on their circumstances instead of their vision, dream, or goal.

When you focus on your vision rather than on your circumstances, you create the future you desire. But if you focus on the reasons you believe you can’t make your vision a reality, you remain stuck in your circumstances—and might even make them worse.

I used to place a lot of attention on my failing marriage. In my mind, my husband was the circumstance that prevented me from being happy in the relationship. I didn’t think I could find joy, love, or intimacy again unless he changed.

Then, I shifted my focus onto my vision for the marriage. I visualized it as harmonious, loving, and fulfilling. And I placed attention on who I wanted to be and how I wanted to show up in the relationship.

I changed. Then, he changed. Finally, the marriage changed. We’ve been married 38 years now.

What are Circumstances?

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, “A circumstance is a condition, fact, or event that accompanies, influences, or determines another situation or event.”

For instance, your circumstance might be a lack of money. So even though your dream is to travel around the world, you put that aspiration on hold. You spend most of your time focused on increasing your income and rarely focus on figuring out how to make that round-the-world trip despite your circumstances.

Your financial condition influences your decisions about your travel plans.

Or you might have a physical ailment, and you claim it prevents you from pursuing public office in your state. Instead of placing attention on how you might become a public servant anyway, you focus on the reasons your physical condition prevents you from pursuing this goal.

Your physical condition is your circumstance. You let it determine whether you run for public office.

You are a Victim of Circumstance

I’m sure you can easily identify a circumstance you focus on often. You focus on it because you see it as a challenge or obstacle, and as the reason you can’t pursue what matters to you.

As a result, you put your vision on the back burner. Your attention is on the front burner—on your circumstance.

When you see your circumstance(s) as an obstacle to creating your vision, you become a victim of that circumstance. You allow it to have power over you.

Victims believe they are powerless.

A victim of circumstance believes they can’t change their situation. Therefore, they can’t focus on creating their vision.

But you can choose to leave victimhood behind.

You Always Have Freedom and Power

Circumstances change. In fact, more often than not, you can change them.

You have the personal freedom to change your thoughts, beliefs, and actions—even if your circumstances seem permanent. You can decide to change your circumstances or make it possible to pursue your dreams anyway.

You may not be able to change your physical condition. But many people with physical issues go on to do amazing things, like competing in the Paralympics or creating an uber-successful business.

If your circumstances involve other challenges, such as money, employment, relationships, or commitments, you have the personal freedom and power to change your circumstances.

But as long as you say you can’t change your circumstances or you blame them, nothing will change. And if you keep focusing on circumstances—rather than your vision—your circumstances will stay the same.

What you focus on expands. What do you choose to expand in your life—your vision or your circumstance?

Where attention goes, energy flows. Where do you choose to place your attention and energy—on your vision or your circumstance?

Focus on Your Vision

In addition to accessing your personal freedom and power, here are three more tips to help you focus on your vision, not your circumstance.

1. Know what you want.

To create a vision of your future—and focus on it—you need to have clarity on what you want (not what you don’t want).

Answer this question: If you could wave a magic wand and make your current circumstance disappear, what would you create in its place?

2. Stop using circumstances as a reason (excuse) for why you can’t create your vision.

Most people blame circumstances. If you want to create your desired future, you must stop using your situation as the reason you aren’t creating your vision.

Instead, focus on the vision, and be a person who takes responsibility for changing your circumstances and creating your vision.

3. Be Unrealistic

Being realistic keeps you focused on your circumstances. Allowing yourself to be unrealistic focuses your attention on possibilities—even those that seem far-fetched.

When you are unrealistic, you take action even if the likelihood of getting desired results is slim. That increases the chances of bringing your vision to life.

Create Your Vision

It’s easy to keep your eye on a circumstance you don’t like, and that makes you feel stuck. It’s much harder to focus on your vision and take action to make it real despite—in spite of—that situation.

That’s why so many people let their circumstances stop them from pursuing their visions.

Taking your attention off the circumstance lets it morph. Placing your attention on your vision allows it to become a reality.

Where is your focus—on your circumstance or vision? Tell me in a comment below. Please share this post with those who may benefit from reading it.