Why Vision Alone Isn’t Enough

August 18, 2025 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes)

It Wasn’t the End. It Was Just the Beginning.

Begin with a Clear Vision — Failure Fuels Success

Kingsville, Texas | 1982–1983

When the instructor walked up to me and said, “Manazir, the LSOs called from the ship. You’re a disqual,” I honestly thought he was messing with me.

I had just landed six times on the USS Lexington. I caught a wire on each pass. The LSOs told me on the radio I was qualified. How could this happen?

But it was real. My approaches were fast. Out of limits. And I was out.

“Why am I doing this?”

That disqualification hurt. But even in that low moment, I knew why I was there. From Day 1 at the Naval Academy, I had envisioned myself flying Tomcats. Every time I opened the Kingsville O Club door and saw those wings pinned to the wall, I pictured them gleaming on my chest.

That vision wasn’t assigned to me. It came from within. I wanted it more than anything—and because I chose it, I refused to quit.

“Can I do this?”

It would’ve been easy to crumble. But I trained harder. I studied every detail of my performance. I waited for another chance—and when it came, I was ready.

What I didn’t expect was the opportunity that opened up during that wait. I got to fly with Lt. Cmdr. John “Bug” Roach, a fighter pilot legend. He didn’t brief. He just said, “Nasty, let me tell you a story.” Then we flew.

He taught me to lead with calm under pressure. To trust my instincts. And to believe in my ability—even when others didn’t.

When I finally requalified, I crushed it. And I graduated #1 in my class.

“Who’s in this with me?”

Kelly cried with me when I failed. She stood beside me when I couldn’t see the way forward.

And Bug? He believed in me before I believed in myself again. His mentorship not only shaped my flying—it shaped my leadership. Because of him, I began to realize something powerful:

Sometimes the greatest growth comes not from the wins… but from the ones who walk with you through the losses.

Leadership Lesson: Begin with a Clear Vision — Let Failure Make You Better

Having a clear vision matters. But failure? It’s what sharpens the vision.

Stephen Covey said, “Begin with the end in mind.” I did. But the disqual taught me what no smooth path ever could. Failure didn’t weaken my vision. It refined it.

I was no longer chasing wings. I was chasing mastery.

Write down your goal. Picture it clearly. Then hold onto that vision—especially when life knocks you flat.

Explore Resources:

P.S.

If this message stirred something in you—share it. Forward it to a friend, colleague, or your leadership team. Better yet—let’s talk.

Let’s raise up a generation of leaders who know how to Lead to Win.

Mike Manazir
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Author of Learn How to Lead to Win

Take Action

Mike’s Leadership Forum

Do you have a comment or question to make on today’s blog?
Do you have a leadership issue you would like us to process in a future blog?
Do you need a speaker for an upcoming leadership event?
Click CONTACT for comments.