Remember Your Future Self

We are called to be architects of the future,
not its victims.
- Buckminster Fuller

Learning how to Remember Your Future Self requires a high degree of self-awareness and imagination. It also requires a deep hope and optimism that individually, and collectively, we have agency about our future self. Cultures and/or individuals who do not believe they have a say in the future will not spend much time remembering their future selves. If our future life seems to be just something that happens to you - then what is the point of wasting time trying to anticipate or change that future?

Remembering Your Future Self is not just saying “take control of your future” - but more along the lines of “architect and design your future”.

Here are Five Key strategies for architecting your future self.

1. Craft Your Future Vision Board
Creating a vision board isn't just a fun arts-and-crafts project; it's a powerful tool for visualizing your future self. Gather images, quotes, and symbols that represent your future goals, dreams, and the person you want to become. Arrange them on a board that you can see every day. This visual reminder keeps your future self vivid in your mind, inspiring you to take steps that align with your vision. Make it dynamic by updating it regularly as your goals evolve.

2. Write Letters from the Future
Imagine your future self writing a letter to your present self. In these letters, describe the achievements, challenges overcome, and wisdom gained over the years. Detail the feelings of accomplishment and the steps taken to get there. Writing from the perspective of your future self helps clarify what’s important and creates a tangible connection to your future goals. Revisit these letters periodically to adjust your course and stay motivated.

3. Daily Feelings from the Future Meditation
Incorporate a daily meditation practice focused on your future self. Spend a few minutes each day in a quiet space, visualizing your future self living the life you aspire to. Picture your surroundings, the people in your life, and the feelings of your wish fulfilled. Be sure to get beneath the surface of these images and really imagine how you will feel as this future comes to pass. This practice not only reinforces your goals but also helps reduce anxiety and build a sense of calm and purpose in your present actions.

4. Future Self Journal
Keep a dedicated journal where you regularly write as your future self. Record entries as if you are already living in the future you desire. Describe your daily life, achievements, and how you feel in this future reality. This practice helps you internalize the identity of your future self, making it easier to make decisions and take actions that align with that identity. Reflecting on these entries can provide insights and motivation to stay on track.

5. Create Future Self Milestones
Break down your future self vision into specific milestones and create a timeline for achieving them. Each milestone represents a significant step toward becoming your future self. As the future starts delivering each of these milestones, take time to celebrate, and use these celebrations as motivation to keep moving forward. This structured approach provides a clear roadmap, making the journey to your future self more manageable and less overwhelming.

Conclusion
Remembering Your Future Self is about designing and architecting the life you want to live. By crafting a vision board, writing letters from the future, practicing daily feelings from the future meditations, keeping a future self journal, and creating future self milestones, you actively shape your path and bring your future self into clearer focus. Embrace these strategies to empower yourself with the agency and optimism needed to build the future you envision.