A letter to my future self

I went to a business seminar in which one of the tasks was to write a letter to your future self, one year older. It had to contain your goals and where you expect your life to be after 12 months in business, personal and mental health (which is so important these days). Seal this letter and to resist the urge to open said letter until 365 days had passed.

In my experience I had a crazy 12 months and it ended in a month long holiday to South America and I was due to open up my letter literally the day after I got home – what great timing!!

I remember thinking during the year and being tempted a few times to open up the letter, but my curiosity was taken over by the excitement and overwhelming feeling that I knew I would have if I held off on opening up the letter until its due date. This kept me on my toes and thinking constantly I wonder if I am on track? Am I doing better than what I thought I was going to be? Could I be doing anything better? Should I be doing something better?

Having this letter gave myself some accountability about my immediate 12 month goals. Everyone has a 5 year plan (if you don’t, you should!) but it’s so important to break these down into smaller achievable goals that you are able to reflect upon, make a better assessment and move forward in your life and business journey to have the best life imaginable.

Now I am on the other side of opening up the letter I have made another one for my then future, future self and have kept the original letter in the same envelope so that come January 2017 I can reflect upon the milestones I have overcome not just in the past 12 months, but the last 2 years.

As important as reflection and achieving goals is the importance to celebrate your achievements. Now I’m not saying go out and buy yourself a million dollar car because you survived your first 12 months in business, but you do need to sit back and pat yourself on the back, as they say “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”.

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer– This information is of a general nature only and has been prepared without taking into account your particular financial needs, circumstances and objectives. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, it is not guaranteed. You should obtain professional advice before acting on the information contained in this publication.