Here’s a quick question to contemplate: How are you serving your future self?
As much as I like to stay present, I also realize that the decisions I make today will have a direct impact on my tomorrow, and the tomorrow of those around me.
Serving your future self involves making decisions and taking actions today that will benefit you in the future. I wanted to share a few things I do to serve my future self, so I can continue to serve others and feel fulfilled:
- Old Man Mike. I found this app that ages you. I know, not everyone wants to see that! However, when I saw myself as an older man, it made me think about where in life that guy was, what he’d accomplished and how he made others feel. This one small reminder has a big impact on my knee-jerk decisions throughout the day.
- Setting goals. I know, shocking. I am the goal setter of all goal setters, and I have accountability systems in place to continuously work on those goals. When setting your own goals, make a PACT with yourself. Ask yourself if your goal is Purposeful, Actionable, Continuous and Trackable.
- Plan ahead. Make a plan for how you will achieve your PACT, and break it down into smaller manageable steps. This will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Invest in yourself. Investing time and resources in activities that help you improve your knowledge, skills and health will propel you in your journey. This could include reading, attending masterminds or keynotes, or plain old work/life balance that creates a more productive you.
- Get that cash flow under control. You’ll be better prepared for future expenses, emergencies and retirement, and you can avoid unnecessary debt later.
- Relationships matter. As introverted as some are, it’s still important to socialize. Really, there are scientific studies. I will admit that for a few years I was putting relationships with friends on the back burner, but I saw how reenergized I was after speaking with or spending time with a friend, so now I carve out at least one time a week to see close friends. We are each other’s biggest supporters, and we all need that.
Do you already have a system that you use to serve you in your future and will create your legacy? I’d love to hear what it is, so leave it in the comments.
Wishing you health and wealth, from now into your old, old age.
-Mike
I love this list. Thank you for bringing me back to what really MATTERS. It is so easy to drift along, “planning” to make changes and thinking about how one is going to do this or that, but the minutes and hours and days keep ticking along…. I needed to read this today.
Mike:
this was so “right on”, especially the part about relationships. I’ve been working way too much and a few weeks ago, I attended 2 events with old friends. I was so energized and happy after each time… and more effective when I got back to workinig. It truly made me realize the multile downsides of putting all my effort into work, expecially at the expense of friendships and the support and fun they provide. Thank you.
I like thinking deliberately about the legacy I’ll leave behind. What do I want it to be? Who will benefit from it? How will it impact others?