As Jeanette Brown, the creator of Reset Your Life Compass, I can tell you that building a future you can be proud of doesn’t just happen overnight.
It’s all about making conscious decisions today that your future self will thank you for. And believe me, there’s no better feeling than looking back and saying, “I’m glad I did that.”
Creating that kind of life is a journey, and I’m here to share with you a roadmap. In this article, you’ll discover six steps to help navigate your path to a brighter future.
The best part? It’s all in your hands. You have the power to shape your own destiny and make decisions that serve your long-term happiness. Ready to take the first step? Let’s dive in.
1) Understand your inner world
We all face challenges in life, and let’s face it, navigating through them can sometimes feel like we’re in a maze. But here’s what I’ve learned: it’s not just about what happens to us externally; it’s about how we handle it internally.
Our inner world of thoughts and feelings acts as the steering wheel of our lives. It dictates how we react to situations, interact with people, and ultimately, how we shape our future.
So, the first step towards creating a life your future self will thank you for is understanding your inner world. Start by observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Are they mostly positive or negative? Do they push you forward or hold you back?
I remember when I was at a difficult crossroads in my own life. I felt stuck and confused, not knowing which path to take. But instead of letting my fears dictate my decisions, I took some time to reflect. I realized that my fears were just thoughts in my head, not my reality. This understanding gave me the courage to make a choice that led me to where I am today – happier and more fulfilled.
Try this. Spend 15 minutes each day in solitude, simply observing your thoughts and feelings and write them down. Reflective writing is like having a one-on-one conversation with yourself. Here you get to know yourself on a deeper level, and the insights you’ll gain will be invaluable in shaping your future.
2) Take the wheel: steer your life in the direction you want
The truth is, life doesn’t come with a roadmap. We all face bumps, twists, and turns along the way. But here’s some raw, honest advice: you can either let those challenges toss you around or you can grab the wheel and steer your life in the direction YOU want.
We all have untapped potential within us. But to tap into it, we need to take full ownership of our lives. This means taking responsibility for our actions, our decisions, and yes, even our mistakes. It’s about realizing that we are not just passive spectators in our lives but active participants shaping our own future.
True empowerment comes from understanding that you hold the power to change your circumstances. It’s about making conscious choices every day that align with your values and aspirations.
So, how do we do this? Start by setting clear personal and professional goals. Then make a plan to achieve them. Sounds simple? It’s not always easy, but it is definitely worth it.
Remember, it’s your life. You have the power to steer it in the direction you desire. Your future self will thank you for taking control and making the most of your potential.
3) Become your own coach: navigate life changes with confidence
Here’s something I truly believe: we all have the potential to become our own life coach. Sounds daunting? It doesn’t have to be. In fact, developing the skills to coach yourself through life’s challenges can be a real game-changer.
Life is full of transitions – career changes, personal growth, relationships beginning or ending. These changes, while they can be overwhelming, are also opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
When you become your own coach, you acquire the tools to navigate these transitions with confidence and resilience. You learn to ask yourself the right questions, identify the obstacles holding you back, and create strategies to overcome them.
So, how do you start coaching yourself? Begin by cultivating a mindset of curiosity and openness towards your experiences. Instead of running away from challenges, face them head-on and see them as learning opportunities.
Practice self-reflection regularly. Understand your strengths, your weaknesses, and your values. This will help you make decisions that are aligned with who you truly are.
Remember, being your own coach means taking charge of your personal growth. And trust me, there’s nothing more empowering than realizing that you have the ability to shape your own life. Your future self will thank you for it.
4) Practice self-compassion: be kind to yourself in times of adversity
In the wise words of Brené Brown, “Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” This simple yet profound advice holds the key to one of the most transformative steps you can take: practicing self-compassion.
We all face adversity. It’s an inescapable part of life. But how we treat ourselves during these challenging times can make all the difference.
Self-compassion is about acknowledging your pain, accepting your mistakes and flaws, and treating yourself with kindness. It’s about understanding that failure and hardship are part of the human experience.
But remember, self-compassion isn’t about self-pity or denial. It’s about acknowledging your situation realistically, and then supporting yourself with kindness and understanding.
So next time you’re facing a tough situation or feeling critical of yourself, pause for a moment. Ask yourself: “What would I say to a dear friend who was going through the same thing?” Most often, the words that come to mind are kinder and more supportive than our initial self-critical thoughts.
As you practice self-compassion, you’ll find it becomes a powerful ally in creating a life your future self will thank you for.
5) Embrace change: see it as an opportunity for growth
Change can be scary. It pushes us out of our comfort zones and forces us to face the unknown. But here’s an empowering perspective – change is also an opportunity for growth.
Embracing change means accepting it as a natural part of life and using it as a stepping stone towards becoming the person you aspire to be. It means being flexible and adaptable, even when things don’t go as planned.
So next time you’re faced with a major change, take a deep breath and remind yourself – this is an opportunity for growth. Your future self will thank you for your courage and adaptability.
6) Stay focused on your values: they are your compass
Finally, remember that your values are your compass in life. They guide your decisions, influence your actions, and shape your future.
As Dr Russ Harris, author of The Happiness Trap, puts it, “Our values are like a compass—they give us direction and keep us on track.”
Identify what truly matters to you – is it family? Career success? Personal growth? Whatever it is, make sure your actions align with these core values.
When you stay focused on your values, you create a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling to you, not just one that looks good on the outside. And that’s the kind of life your future self will thank you for.
So there you have it – six steps towards creating a life your future self will thank you for. Remember, this journey is all about progress, not perfection. So take these steps one day at a time, and trust yourself.
Final thoughts
Creating a life your future self will thank you for is all about taking conscious steps towards understanding yourself, embracing change, and aligning your actions with your values. It’s about becoming your own coach and steering your life in the direction you desire.
But remember, it’s a journey, not a destination. And every journey begins with a single step. So, why not take that step today?
If you’re ready to dive deeper into this journey of self-discovery and personal growth, I invite you to join my online course, Reset Your Life Compass. Alongside learning the skills to coach yourself to a happier, more fulfilling life, you will also unlock the transformative power of regular reflection and journaling.
These practices will help you deepen your self-awareness, understand your thoughts and feelings more clearly, and ultimately guide you towards growth.
Why wait? Start shaping the life your future self will thank you for today. Your future self is counting on you.
