Start With the End in Mind to Become Your Future Self

One of the tools I use often in both my coaching and my day job (software development project manager) is the concept of reverse engineering.

The technical definition is the reproduction of another manufacturer’s product following detailed examination of its construction or composition but I like to think of it as deconstructing what you want into small actionable steps to achieve “the thing”.

Small actionable steps adding up to big momentum and shifts are infinitely greater than staying stuck and confused and overwhelmed by allthethings.

Every. Time.

This is why I have my clients start with the end in mind.

WHO do you want your 80-year-old self to be and then HOW do you become her?

This works in two ways:

1. You ensure old lady you isn’t a bitter, resentful, lonely woman and,
2. You take action now that makes current you happier, more fulfilled, more engaged, and interested in your life.

I mean…isn’t that what each of us wants! To be excited and interested in our lives?

Create a vision of your future self

We can’t predict the future but we sure as hell can do everything in our power to improve the options.

This means taking care of you NOW emotionally, mentally, and physically.

And that starts with having a vision for WHO you want to be.

In my 90-minute intensive, Meet Your #1 Mentor, Your Future Self – I work with my clients to create a super detailed vision of their future selves.

We’re talking down to the details like the thread count of their sheets, what they’re reading, what keeps them up at night, what makes them laugh, who they’re surrounded by, etc.

We go deep to create the nitty-gritty details because guess what? Those details hold the clues for what they can be doing NOW to become interested in their lives again.

The details make all the difference in the world. The more vivid a picture we can paint, the less esoteric the work becomes.

Now that you have a vision that excites the hell out of you, it’s time to reverse-engineer that shit

Take a good hard look at the following areas of your life:

✨ Health & Wellbeing

✨ Work/Career

✨ Relationships & Love

✨ Fun, Meaning, Happiness, & Purpose

Now’s not the time to b.s. yourself or let ego get in the way. Trust me – I know that can be hard but do your best. You do hard things all the time.

Let your heart be in the driver’s seat here.

How do you currently feel about each area of your life?

What’s getting in the way of you feeling better in each area?

What might need to change in each area so that your future self vision is a possibility?

Which changes are you willing to start making now? 6 months from now? In the future?

Create a list of prioritized changes you want to start making in your life and then pick 1 or 2 to get started.

I know…I know. You’re a go-getter…I am too. But trust me on this one. Trying to change everything all at once is a recipe for disaster and who’s got time for that.

Slow and steady wins the race here.

WWFMW? What Would Future Me Want?

By this point, you have a) a vision of your future self that excites the hell out of you and b) a list of prioritized actions.

Now it’s time to start using your future self as your #1 mentor by asking WWFMW and then…here’s where the magic comes in…DOING IT!

Have a falling out with a friend? WWFMW?

Feeling kind of stuck and wanting more from your life? WWFMW?

Have a big decision to make? WWFMW?

Joints getting a little achy but you’re having a hard time getting off the couch? WWFMW?

You get the gist. Your future self isn’t going to lead you wrong. They always have your back and can even become your best friend.

What Would Future Me Want? And then do it.

Don’t make your future self pay the price because today you didn’t feel like doing the work.

Like I said above, this is exactly the work I do with clients and I’d love to help you too!

Life’s short and who has time for dicking around? Give yourself the gift of 90-minutes and I promise it will be oh so worth it.