Future Self: Making Moves to Shape a Brighter Tomorrow
“Imagine yourself five years from now. What would your future self thank you for today?”
Picture this: you’re sipping your morning coffee five years from now, glancing back at all the strategic moves you made, and your future self gives you a virtual high-five. Isn’t that a pleasant thought? But here’s the thing: your future self only becomes as awesome as the actions you take today. And no, unfortunately, binge-watching TV doesn’t count (though wouldn’t that be fun?).
In all seriousness, we often find ourselves stuck in the present—overwhelmed by today’s challenges. But the real key to success lies in embracing the concept of your “future self” and making moves now to create the life you envision. Let’s dive into how successful women have harnessed the power of strategic planning, relentless action, and maybe a bit of humor along the way to build their dream futures.
The Power of Your Future Self
The term future self refers to the person you’ll become in the future, shaped by the decisions you make today. It’s a powerful concept because it can be your guiding compass, helping you prioritize actions that align with long-term goals. Essentially, it’s like being your own personal fortune teller but without the crystal ball (unless that’s your thing).
According to research published by Psychology Today, people who visualize their future self tend to make smarter financial decisions, invest more in self-care, and take calculated risks in their careers. It’s all about recognizing that your future self will either suffer or benefit from what you do now. No pressure!
So, how do we make moves that future you will thank you for?
Step 1: Start Small, Think Big
Start with manageable steps. Think about this: Oprah Winfrey didn’t build her media empire in one day. She started small, honing her craft and learning from every opportunity. Oprah often reflects on how she stayed connected to her long-term goals while making consistent, daily efforts to improve herself.
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day—and neither is your future self. Whether it’s saving money, learning a new skill, or focusing on personal wellness, start small. Those small actions compound over time, leading to significant changes down the road.
Step 2: Make Bold Moves
Ever heard the phrase “fortune favors the bold”? It’s a mantra every successful woman swears by. Making moves toward your future self means stepping out of your comfort zone, even when it feels like you’re about to walk off the edge of a cliff. The key is knowing there’s a parachute—made of your own resilience and grit.
Take the example of Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. She started with $5,000 and an idea. Blakely spent years building her brand, often facing rejection from manufacturers and investors. But her future self must have whispered, “Keep going.” Today, she’s one of the wealthiest self-made women in America. Her bold moves not only shaped her future but revolutionized an entire industry.
Step 3: Be Strategic—But Don’t Forget to Laugh
While planning for the future is crucial, let’s not forget the importance of maintaining a sense of humor. Let’s face it, life can get tough, and sometimes things don’t go according to plan. In moments of stress or uncertainty, it’s essential to laugh, reset, and keep going.
Ellen DeGeneres, comedian and TV host, once said, “Follow your passion. Stay true to yourself. Never follow someone else’s path unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost, and you see a path. By all means, you should follow that.”
Her wit not only brought her massive success but also shaped her future self into a beacon of authenticity and resilience. She made her moves by staying true to her values and injecting humor into life’s toughest moments.
Step 4: Invest in Yourself
Investing in yourself is one of the smartest moves you can make for your future self. This could mean learning a new skill, enrolling in courses, or even taking the time for self-care. You’re not just spending time or money—you’re planting seeds for future growth.
Melinda Gates, philanthropist and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, attributes much of her success to her commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth. “When we invest in women and girls,” she says, “we are investing in the people who invest in everyone else.” While Gates speaks about larger-scale impact, the same is true for your own life. By investing in yourself today, you set the stage for a more empowered, capable future self.
Step 5: Embrace Failure
Now here’s the kicker: failure is a part of the process. Your future self doesn’t need you to be perfect—it needs you to be persistent. Failure is the universe’s way of testing how badly you want something. It’s not a roadblock; it’s a stepping stone.
J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, is a prime example. Before becoming a literary phenomenon, she faced multiple rejections from publishers. Instead of giving up, she doubled down, believing in the potential of her future self. The result? A global empire and a legacy that will last for generations.
Rowling often jokes about her failures, saying, “It is impossible to live without failing at something unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all—in which case, you fail by default.” Take it from her: failure isn’t the enemy—inaction is.
Step 6: Build a Support Network
No one builds a future alone. Surround yourself with people who inspire and motivate you—whether they are mentors, peers, or like-minded women making moves in their own right. Community is an essential element of success. Just think of every successful woman who credits their journey to the support of those around them.
Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, speaks often about the importance of “leaning in” and building strong relationships in both personal and professional spheres. In her book Lean In, she discusses how building a support network has been critical in shaping her career and her future self.
Step 7: Take Time to Reflect
As you continue making moves toward your future self, remember to pause and reflect. Taking time to assess where you are and where you’re going helps keep you on track. After all, you can’t move forward effectively if you don’t take stock of what’s working and what isn’t.
Tennis champion Serena Williams frequently emphasizes the importance of reflection in her journey. She attributes much of her success to taking time to evaluate her performance—on and off the court—so she can adjust and come back even stronger.
Conclusion: The Future Is Yours to Shape
Your future self is waiting for you. Every decision, every move you make today is contributing to the life you’ll live tomorrow. Whether it’s a small action or a bold leap, each step matters.
So, channel your inner Oprah, Sara Blakely, Ellen DeGeneres, or J.K. Rowling, and start making moves that align with your long-term goals. But don’t forget to laugh along the way, embrace failure, and surround yourself with people who will cheer you on.
Your future self will thank you. And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll be the example that someone else looks to for inspiration.
Now, go get that future self a coffee—you’ve got moves to make!
Charu Mehrotra
Founder Womenlines
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