How does Future You feel?
What are you feeling right this minute?
What is the source of your feeling? (Tip: Your feeling is caused by a thought you’re having.)
I love reflecting on the most useful feelings and picking those feelings on purpose as often as possible.
What feelings create your best work?
What feelings create the best version of you in your relationships at home and at work?
Most importantly, what feeling encourages you to take amazing care of yourself?
I was working with a client, Bree*, on clarifying the relationship with her future self.
We started with “What do you want to be feeling on a regular basis in July next year?”
Bree thought she’d like her Future Self to be feeling discipline, determination and ease.
We had so much fun with this starting point. We started with, “What do those words mean anyway?”
In Bree’s mind, each feeling was connected to a concept, an entire set of actions and attitudes and, yes, even fashion choices and hobbies.
We explored whether she assumed the future version of her supposed to be a “new and improved” version of her current self. Bree is already beyond delightful, so what did she want to evolve into?
We used these starter feelings to uncover her dreams.
At the end of our session, we were very well acquainted with Future Bree. (Future Bree, like Current Bree, is a certified bada$$!)
Bree’s top 3 future feelings had evolved from discipline, determination and ease to resolved, proud, and trusting.
It was really cool to hear Bree describe her dreams and wishes for her future.
I had so much fun playing the part of an ol’ timey perfumist, finding “feeling matches” like ingredients to assemble her own special blend.
Think about the 3 most powerful feelings that Future You feels in 1 year, 2 years, and 10 years.
Define the feelings. What does a person feeling those feelings do/think/say/avoid?
Reflect on your initial selections. Do you really want to be that person? I mean, like, really, really?
Get curious whether those feelings fuel Future You through everyday life. Will these feelings get you through the tough times and the times you resist the discomfort of achieving your dreams?
Revise. Edit. Curate.
Then ask yourself how close you are to that future version of you right now. Today.
I told Bree, “This version is probably more like you than you think. Close enough to get a hug whenever you need support.”
That’s the relationship I have with Future Me. She’s my best bud.
I hope the same is true for you.
Love you madly,
Lisa
P.S. Many people aspire to become a 2 dimensional robot because of all the things we “should” be like. This is why digging under the first answers is necessary. Don’t live someone else’s life, especially a fake one created by people trying to sell you pharmaceuticals — ha! (Seriously, what is with the people in pharma ads — creepy!)
P.P.S.* I watch Desperate Housewives here and there — I admit it! 10 minutes on Wisteria Lane is like a nap for my mind. The story today is real, but my weekly letters feature character names from my most delicious pop culture pleasures.
