Persistence of vision.“The retention of an image after the stimulus that produced it is no longer present:”
We rely on this phenomenon a lot more than we may think at first. It’s used in several different ways; to give a pleasing result based on a limitation of the human body.
It’s most commonly used in the film industry, to give the illusion of movement by quick displaying a succession of static images. We all drew those crazy animations in our text book margins as kids…right? I was first professionally introduced to this visual effect when I started doing laser light shows back in the early 1980’s. Using reflective mirrors called galvanometers, I was amazed at how the brightly the fast-moving lasers produced a long line (“tail”) of color as they swished across the screen. By stitching together a series of these apparent lines of color and light, it’s possible to create entire images, and then, by projecting several images back to back, give the illusion of an animated image. But what was actually happening was that a single dot of light was moving across our field of view, faster than our eye can break it down, so fast that it ends up appearing to be a line of light––when in fact it is nothing more than a single dot.
In a very randomly associated way, I have seen examples of persistence of vision in a non-visual context. I’ve been in large groups of very excited motivated salespeople as they heard speakers give moving speeches full of life experiences and colorful recounts. It seemed like there was electricity in the air! Almost everyone there was pumped up and ready to conquer the world. Similarly, a church service with awesome music, a great message, and rubbing elbows with fellow like-minded attendees, and the momentary effect of emotional persuasion, leaves everyone ready to conquer their world in whatever way they feel appropriate.
And then…tomorrow comes.
Jim Rohn, American entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker, shares that his mentor encouraged him to desire to become a millionaire. Not for the financial gain or status or ability to live a freer life…but because by going through all the intricate necessary steps necessary to actually become rich, he would have improved his long term lifestyle. Becoming “rich” is not a result of quick set of actions, but many small changes in one’s life to eventually reach one’s potential and dreams. I call it 1% improvements each day. Keep your dreams alive, set goals that matter and require focused dedication to realize. Success, like Trust, is built with time and consistency…it is not an overnight achievement.
As JFK said in an address to the American people regarding going to the moon, “We do not do these things because they are easy, we do these thing because they are hard.” In the Bible, Jesus says “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” He is not saying just ask for a corvette or a million dollars and you will get it. The point is; if you truly lead the life of faith, you won’t be asking for those things, but instead wisdom, patience, faith. What you thought was the means to the end, just became the end in itself. And these things He gives plentifully. It’s not about having a “mentality” but more about a “heart-ality” where you live each day determined. Then when all these days are stitched together over time, a very clear image emerges.
The hard part, of course, is to continue to live your life daily holding on to that vision you initially had. Your persistence of vision can land you where you want to be, but if the vision has not become a true desire, you will lose your vision and eventually run the risk of feeling you have failed. The good news is, you can always resurrect a dream and re-commit to it with a renewed sense of determination.