Future Self Is Wisest Mentor
Posted on 21. Aug, 2008 by admin in Inspiration
(Reprinted from my column in eWoman Magazine)
She’s
already lost the weight, navigated teenage years with your children and
discovered that retail therapy doesn’t serve anyone but American Express. I’m talking about your future self, and
if you can learn to tap into her wisdom, you will access courage, clarity and information
that no other mentor is capable of sharing.
If
you are anything like me, you’ve probably spent more than your fair share of
time lamenting over past mistakes, “If only I knew then what I know now…” We would tell the third grade bully
that she needs a hug and not a punch, we’d make sure to have a saucy comeback
for that obnoxious guy at the college mixer, and we’d be absolutely certain to
avoid lycra.
That Kid is a Smart!
As
a mentor now myself personally and professionally, I also like to think of
myself as my own mentor. It might seem awkward and strange to think of your
self in this way. In the
beginning, it could take some practice.
Let me show you how.
Consider
the age that you are right now, and think back to your self at the following
ages, 5, 9, 13, 18, 21, 30 and so on.
Hold the image of yourself at that age in your mind. Thinking of
yourself right now as a guide for her, what advice would you give her? What forgiveness could you offer your
former self? What praise would you
award her? Priceless right?
Find
a photo of yourself as a young child that you like and that makes you
smile. Display the photo someplace
prominent in your home or office where you will see it many times a day. Each time you see your child self, ask
her what she needs, what she thinks, what you could do for yourself in that
moment. After all, children are
usually brutally honest and much closer to the truth than we are.
Just Who Will You Be?
Now,
let’s transition in future focused thinking.
Consulting
with your future self is the key to living your most authentic life. She has all of the intimate knowledge
and answers that you need. Since
she’s already hurdled your life’s challenges, she’s able to look at the total
plan for your life without the blinders of your current circumstances and
limiting thoughts. Your future self is you,
just wiser with the knowledge of your life’s lessons.
Imagine
yourself already at the end of your journey. She has accomplished everything
that you yearn to do, strive to learn, and hope to become. She is filled with the peace of mind,
freedom, and confidence that you crave.
When you believe in her, you can believe in yourself.
Write
a story about your future self five years from now. Describe her in great detail. Is she smart, brave, and kind? What advice would she give you now? Anticipate the obstacles and bumps
along the way. How would she
handle them? What guidance can she
offer you now?
Whenever
I am faced with a tough situation, or a huge goal that seems impossible, I
think about my future self, already at the finish line, having a party, waiting
for me to show up. She has
unlimited confidence that I can do it.
She’s cheering me on.
Sometimes, she chuckling at the things that I worry about. But mostly, she’s doing cartwheels with
my child self.
________________________________________________________
Susan
Hyatt is a Master Certified Life Coach, speaker and writer. She helps clients color
outside of the lines. She can be
reached at www.ideallifedesign.com.
