What Will Your Future Self Thank You For

Sometimes I ask clients to imagine their future self saying thank you to their present self.

Gratitude from your future self provides clarity to your present self.

There’s research that validates the power of temporal distancing. Two simple activities clarify your perspective on the present.

1. Send a letter to your future self.
2. Write a letter from your future self to your present self.

Tap your future self:

Reflecting on the future expands life.

When you’re crushed by responsibilities or problems, imagine looking back at yourself a year from now. You’re thriving in the future. Your future self is composing a thank you card to your present self.

1. What will your future self thank you for?
2. What will your future self advise you to keep doing?
3. What will your future self advise you to stop doing?
4. What will your future self suggest you start doing?
5. What words of encouragement might your future self say?

Clarity and courage:

My experience indicates people find clarity about the present by reflecting on the future. They often know what they should or shouldn’t do. They also find courage to take small steps toward their preferred future.

Problems don’t dissolve when you practice temporal distancing. Perspective changes. Bringing your preferred future into reality requires more than imagination. It calls for intention, planning, and some sweat.

Other ways to explore:

1. What will your future self be glad you did today?
2. How much will this matter tomorrow? A month from now? Next year?
3. Imagine your future self giving advice to your present self about next steps.

How might leaders use future-back thinking to find clarity?

How does future-back thinking impact the way you think about dealing with people?

You might enjoy:

Future-Back: How Leaders Create the Future Today

6 Ways to Honor Your Future Now