Crafting Your Future Self
Are you feeling stuck or anxious about the future? Imagining what your life could look like decades from now might seem daunting, but it can also be an inspiring exercise in self-discovery.
The B-Do-Have planning exercise invites you to envision your life from age 91 to 100, or even beyond. This exercise helps clarify what truly matters to you by focusing on three essential aspects: who you want to be, what you want to do, and what you want to have. Let's explore how this simple yet profound exercise can shape your future and align with your values.
Start with the End in Mind
The B-Do-Have exercise begins by picturing yourself in the final decade of life. It asks you to consider:
- Who do you want to be? This could be a role, a trait, or a quality you wish to embody. Perhaps you want to be a writer, a mentor, or simply a forgiving person.
- What do you want to do? Consider the activities or accomplishments that would bring you joy. Maybe you want to travel, write a book, or spend quality time with family.
- What do you want to have? This could be tangible, like owning a home, or intangible, like having peace of mind or joy.
Use your imagination to explore these questions deeply. By focusing on your 90s first, you can gradually work backward through each decade, all the way to your current age.
The Power of Imagination
Visualizing your future self can be a powerful motivational tool. Use your imagination to create a vivid picture of your ideal life. For instance, if you see yourself as a writer in your 90s, what steps can you take now to develop your writing skills? If traveling the world is a dream, how can you start saving or planning for those adventures today?
Practical Steps to Get Started
1. Create a Table: Start by creating a table with three columns labeled "Be," "Do," and "Have." Begin with your 90s, then move backward by decade.
2. Reflect on Each Decade: For each decade, list down attributes, activities, and possessions that align with your vision.
3. Assess Alignment: As you fill out the table, ask yourself if your plans align with your core values, desires, needs, and purpose.
4. Read and Reflect: Once completed, read through your entire plan. Does it resonate with you? Does it reflect who you truly want to be?
Aligning with Your True Self
This exercise is not just about planning; it's about self-alignment. As you work through each decade, consider whether your aspirations match your current values and lifestyle. This alignment is crucial for personal fulfillment.
Examples of Alignment
- If you value creativity, perhaps you want to be an artist in your later years. What creative outlets can you explore now?
- If community is important to you, maybe you want to spend your 80s volunteering. What organizations can you get involved with today?
What to Remember
The B-Do-Have planning exercise is more than just a vision board for the future; it's a roadmap to living a life true to yourself. By imagining who you want to be, what you want to do, and what you want to have, you can start taking small steps today that lead to a more fulfilling tomorrow.
This exercise encourages you to connect deeply with your future self and ensures that your life's journey is in harmony with your deepest values and desires. Embrace this opportunity to dream big and take control of your life's narrative.
— Sandro Formica, PhD
Founder of Permanently Happy (questions at [email protected])
Keynote Speaker | Transforming Leaders & Organizations Through Positive Leadership & Personal Branding | Director, Chief Happiness Officer Certificate Program