You are correct in asking people to paint a picture of their ideal future. It starts first by having a vision. Scripture says to write the vision down to make it plain. Here is the key to writing it down, once you can articulate it, you now have a roadmap. Also once you have a plan, you will be surprised at who will "come alongside you" to help and assist you. No one can help you "do nothing". As for models, there is nothing wrong with having an example to follow. Just make sure that you don't lose your way in the process. The biggest obstacle is not having a clear picture / vision and overcoming fear. That fear can be internal (meaning it is the voice inside our head). Or it can be external - people holding us back becasuse they are fearful that we will fail. Or worse that we will succeed and leave them behind. Good post