We all dream of a brighter tomorrow, a future where possibilities bloom instead of wilt. But how do we bridge the chasm between that vibrant vision and the uncertainties of today? The answer lies in actively crafting our future, not passively hoping for it. With these 5 powerful steps, you can start unlocking the secrets of transforming dreams into reality and step onto a path toward a future overflowing with your personal definition of success.

Do you dream of a future of personal mastery and achievement? Or maybe you crave a life of creativity and expression? Or maybe you're yearning for emotional fulfillment. Regardless of what it is you're seeking, there remains the question: How do I bridge the gap between the "what ifs" and the "I did it"? How do I purposely move on a trajectory toward that Future?

In the practice of coaching, the objective is to help our clients envision their Future “destination” and to live as if the Future is NOW—in the Present—in order to achieve that Future. "Unrealistic," you may think, but not so. Allow me to walk you through 5 simple steps for achieving and living this "Future Mindset".

STEP 1. DREAM: WHAT DOES YOUR FUTURE LOOK LIKE?

In order to achive this Future Mindset way of thinking and living, we need to start by stepping back and giving ourselves time to envision that Future without the distractions and noise of our everyday lives. Find a quiet space free from the possibility of those incessant interruptions, preferably a space away from your office space or computer. Unplug from the digital hum; leave that phone in another room if you have to; turn off the TV and radio. Now relax and let your mind wander the fertile fields of possibility...

Now, while you're in this state, ask yourself the question, “What do I want my future to look like? Even more, "What do I want my life to actually BE in the Future." Take the time to picture this Future with detailed clarity and vividness. We want to be able to see the picture with such clarity that we can actually sense what we are seeing with smell, touch, vision, hearing, and even taste!

Now... record that vision with as much detail and understanding as you can. Draw a picture or reduce the picture to writing in such a way that that vision and all of its details are totally captured.

Got it? Good! Now on to Step 2...

STEP 2. DEFINE: WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT REALITY?

The Second Step is to answer the question, “What is my Current Reality?” We want to have a total picture of where we are currently living. This provides us the Awareness of the GAP between where we are starting and where we are headed.

Obviously, everyone's reality is different, and the factors that will affect their Future Vision also differ. Some of the parameters you might want to consider as you assess your Current Reality...

Internal Factors

• Physical: Health, fitness, energy levels, sleep patterns, physical limitations.
• Mental: Emotional state, mental clarity, thoughts and patterns, self-esteem, anxieties, fears.
• Spiritual: Connection to values and beliefs, sense of purpose, spiritual practices.
• Social: Relationships, family dynamics, social circle, professional network, community involvement.
• Emotional: Dominant emotions, emotional intelligence, ability to manage emotions.
• Financial: Income, expenses, debts, investments, financial security.
• Professional: Career satisfaction, skillsets, work-life balance, achievements, goals.
• Intellectual: Areas of learning, curiosities, knowledge gaps, intellectual stimulation.
• Creative: Artistic expression, creative outlets, hobbies.

External Factors

• Physical environment: Home, living conditions, neighborhood, access to nature.
• Socioeconomic environment: Economic landscape, political climate, cultural context, discrimination faced.
• Technological environment: Access to technology, digital skills, impact of technology on your life.
• Global environment: Environmental concerns, climate change, political events, world news.

Remember, this is not an exhaustive list, and the most important parameters will depend on your individual priorities and goals. Don't be afraid to add or remove categories to paint a truly accurate picture of your current reality.

Now, many would think that once you've assessed your Current Reality, it's time to take action, but this would avoid a critical third step!

STEP 3. DETERMINE: WHAT’S MISSING?

The Third Step is to ask the question, “What’s missing?”

This is what I refer to as "The Strategic Step" because it analyzes the gap between your current reality and that envisioned future. This involves asking critical questions: What skills, resources, or circumstances are currently lacking? What external factors might pose challenges? What internal roadblocks need to be addressed?

That same list of Internal and External Factors you used to assess your Current Reality are also a good starting point for figuring out what's missing.

Once you've answered the question, "What's missing?" you need to ask yourself, "What ELSE is missing?" It's important to ask this question again and again and again... until you've exhausted every answer.

By pinpointing these missing elements, you're going to gain invaluable insights into what needs to be addressed in Step 4...

STEP 4. DESCRIBE: WHAT’S NEXT?

This is where we now get to ask, "What's next?" This is "The Tactical Step."

During this step, it should be taken to see that each tactic addresses the "What's missing?" questions.

It's during this step that the seasoned perspective of a coach can be invaluable in developing actionable strategies that bridge the gap between your present and your desired future.

And just like in Step 3, in Step 4, once you've asked, "What's next?" you must ask "What ELSE is next," and keep asking until all the answers to the question have been exhausted. This is an iterative process that encourages the exploration a multitude of possibilities and ensures the plan is as comprehensive as possible.

STEP 5. DESIRE: HOW DOES YOUR VISION ENERGIZE YOU?

And now and finally... Step 5. Ask, “ What Goals and Deadlines inside of these tactics provide the energy to keep our journey to this Future we have pictured alive and exciting?"

It's important to remember that energy for the journey can come from various sources within the tactics, not just specific Goals and Deadlines. What elements within these tactics ignite your passion and fuel your journey towards your envisioned future?

Step 5 serves as a powerful reminder that achieving a desired future is not just about following a strict plan. It's about finding elements within that plan that spark joy, passion, and a sense of adventure.

Ultimately, cultivating this intrinsic motivation is key to long-term success and a fulfilling journey towards your dreams.

REVIEWING YOUR FUTURE IS A DAILY ACTIVITY

As we review this Future Picture on a daily basis, it will become the dominant picture we carry.

Humans are teleological in nature—we actively seek fulfilling experiences, strive for achievements, and plan for the future, with an inherent drive for goals, meaning, and intentionality. As such, with our Tactics clearly defined, we WILL live into this Future.

Is it truly this simple? Yes it is! Although it does require discipline and intended energy. It's work, but it's so very efficacious in getting us where we most want to be.

As a final note, Affirmations, when used properly, will greatly enhance this journey. Though that's a different lesson I will share in the future.