As we dive into the New Year, many of my clients have shared their struggles with motivation, a sentiment that resonates with me deeply. I’ve noticed that for me, motivation, like the changing seasons, has its peaks and valleys. In my own quest for inspiration, I’ve recently discovered a powerful ally – my Future Self.
Envisioning Future Success: The Catalyst for Motivation
For those who have followed my journey lately, you know that I released my book, Repair Your Relationships, in October 2023. You may not know, however, that the process of writing that book spanned years. It was only in May of last year that I committed to the goal of publishing it by mid-October, requiring consistent effort even on days when motivation seemed elusive.
Planting Seeds for the Future: Daily Deposits into the Motivational Bank
One constant source of motivation was envisioning my future self – Future Stacey, the Accomplished Author. While your aspirations might not include writing a book, I hope the concept of connecting with your future self will be a valuable tool to reignite motivation in any endeavor.
When embarking on change, though, it’s crucial to acknowledge that results may not manifest immediately, especially in endeavors focused on personal growth or healing.
I liken it to making daily deposits into an investment account that will yield compound interest over time. Through our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, we lay the foundation for future returns. The decisions we make today contribute to the care and growth of our future selves.
Overcoming Challenges: A Pivotal Writing Moment
In the midst of my often over-full schedule, finding time to write was often challenging. One pivotal moment was in mid-August, when I realized the book needed to be completely written by month-end to have adequate time for the subsequent design and printing phases.
Facing increasing overwhelm, instead of fixating on page quotas, I committed to a mere 15 minutes of writing each day. This small investment in my Future Self proved transformative, as I finished my book and also discovered more enjoyment in the process.
Compassion and Non-Judgment: The Key to Futuristic Thinking
However, futuristic thinking comes with a caveat – apply it with equal parts of non-judgment and compassion. My son Griffin’s experience highlights this sentiment. After a traumatic brain injury in September ended his collegiate soccer career, he still aspired to make a semi-professional team with tryouts in December.
In early November he was cleared by his doctor to resume training, but he struggled to find motivation. I tried to help by applying the “Future Self” exercise, asking him what Future Griffin might think of Past Griffin’s reluctance to get back to training. His response gave me pause. He said, “I hope Future Griffin will have compassion for Past Griffin who was having a hard time.”
His sage response underscores the importance of compassion and non-judgment in this practice. (I’m thrilled to report that he did manage to get some training in, made it to the tryouts, and secured a spot on the team!)
Grounding Ourselves: Working Backward to Achieve Goals
To keep us grounded, consider working backward from your envisioned future self. Whether your goal is to publish a book, learn a new language, or acquire a skill, identify the traits, actions, and emotions of your future self. Map out the steps needed to reach that point – these are your daily deposits.
Embracing the Power of Future Selves
As we navigate the ebb and flow of motivation, let’s embrace the power of envisioning our future selves. With mindfulness, compassion, and intentional daily deposits, we can bridge the gap between present challenges and the achievements awaiting us in the future.
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