Lots of people have big dreams. But only a few will take them beyond the daydream stage. Execution is what makes a vision a reality.

As I noted in a recent speech, composer Stephen Sondheim captured this reality in a song that asserts: “Having just a vision’s no solution. Everything depends on execution. Putting it together, that’s what counts.”

Wherever you are in your life, I hope that you will seek, find and actively pursue a clear vision of your professional and personal future.

Lester Lefton, President of Kent State University

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I remember when New York began for me, several years ago. I had moved out to stay with a friend for a few weeks before beginning my job working for an NGO at the United Nations. The size of everything was astounding, and so were the prices. I remember getting lost trying to find my way to the headquarters of the organization where I would work, and calling them trying to explain why I was late, but being too embarrassed to say and making something up. I had confused west for east, and thus Riverside Park for Central Park, and the Hudson River for the Jackie O Reservoir. I realized my mistake and took a bus across the park, arriving at the office an hour late. I was briefed by my future boss, after which I hurried to the nearest Duane Reade and bought a pack of cigarettes, my first in years, and smoked three to calm down. It seemed like a city where nothing less than perfection would be tolerated. Was anyone ever so young?

Casey Downing

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