Remember Your Future Self

“Everyone could have been pre-eminent at something, if they had been aware of their best quality.”
― Baltasar Gracián


Remembering your future self is not meant to be an exercise in fortunate-telling, nor is it meant to conjure up some kind of Back to the Future time travel experience. Remembering your future self is about taking the time to clearly imagine how your future self might start operating on a different level from your current self - unlocking tremendous new energy and qualities along the way!

The goal is to live in such a way that you continue to evolve and grow, embarking on new paths that aren’t even remotely clear at the moment. Qualities are discovered, invented and refined, when you invest energy in remembering a different course of action.

There are multiple possible future yous as the infographic by Tim Urban below so elegantly depicts. While you might be relatively successful on many paths, there are just a handful of paths that truly tap into your core qualities and interests. Sometimes you have know these qualities since you were a young child - you always liked to paint, talk, write, sing, etc. But other qualities are still hidden in the field of possibility. This is why remembering your future self is so important. It gives you permission to start exploring alternate futures, where new qualities and abundance are waiting unclaimed.

By envisioning who you could become, you grant yourself the freedom and courage to explore paths that lead to personal and professional fulfillment. Here are five steps for discovering your hidden field of possibility, inspired by the ROCKET Goals framework and insights from thought leaders in personal development and neuroscience:

1. Reflect on Your Core Values and Passions
Begin by diving deep into your personal values and passions. What matters most to you? What activities or topics light you up with enthusiasm? Remembering your future self starts with understanding the core of who you are and what you stand for. This reflection can help reveal paths that align with your intrinsic motivations, potentially unveiling qualities and interests that have been dormant or unexplored.

2. Visualize Varied Versions of Your Future Self
Inspired by Tim Urban’s concept of multiple future selves, take the time to visualize different versions of who you could become. Create detailed mental images of yourself pursuing various paths—some that align closely with your current trajectory and others that diverge into uncharted territories. Consider the different qualities, achievements, and types of fulfillment each version embodies. This exercise is not just about dreaming; it's a way to expand your perception of what's possible for yourself.

3. Engage in Experiential Experimentation
To uncover hidden qualities and possibilities, adopt David Goggins’s philosophy of challenging yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone. Engage in new experiences, skills, and challenges that are outside your current expertise or comfort zone. This could mean taking classes, starting new projects, or even engaging in physical challenges. The key is to approach these experiences with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow. It’s through this experiential experimentation that hidden qualities often come to the forefront.

4. Embrace the CREW Model for Self-Discovery
Adopt the Rocket CREW principles —Courage to Risk, Recognition of Progress, Expanding Horizons, and Wisdom through Mentorship—in your journey of self-discovery. Have the courage to explore new possibilities, recognize and celebrate each step of progress, no matter how small. Expand your horizons by seeking out new ideas, perspectives, and mentorships that challenge your current worldview and push you towards growth. Wisdom through mentorship can be especially powerful; mentors can help uncover qualities and paths you may not have considered on your own.

5. Keep a Future Self Journal
To bring all these elements together, start keeping a future self journal. This is not just any journal—it's a dedicated space for you to explore ideas about your future self, record insights from your experiments and experiences, and reflect on your growth and the new qualities you're discovering. Use it to write letters to your future self, detail your visualizations, track your progress, and note the wisdom you gain along the way. This ongoing practice can be incredibly grounding and inspiring, providing a tangible connection to the future you’re working to create.

Remembering your future self is an ongoing journey, not a one-time task. It requires curiosity, courage, and a commitment to exploration and growth. By following these steps, you’re not just dreaming about what could be; you’re actively engaging in the process of making it a reality.