It is very common to feel uncertainty when planning your future.
Many plans seem impossible to accomplish, and the future seems to be a mysterious unknown stranger that’s always lurking. But making plans for the future doesn’t have to be one of your fears!
There are steps you can take in order to feel that sense of certainty.
Steps that might feel like you’re wasting precious time, nevertheless, they are steps that will place you on your path to success.
In this article, we’ll explore the 7 steps you can take in order to make plans for your future and achieve success. Read on!
What Have You Done so Far?
What are some plans that you’ve made in the past? How did they pan out? How challenging were they, and did you find them enjoyable?
Your answers to these questions start to create a plan. It might not be a solid plan yet, but you have the beginning stages.
The things you’ve done so far on your life’s journey act as guidance in pointing you to your true path.
If you’ve tried something, hated it, and swore never to do it again, then that is perfect grounds to start building. You now have the data you need to create the career and life you desire.
When you know what you don’t like, you’ll find what you love a lot easier.
However, if you’re scared to try out the ordinary things, then this path isn’t for you. In order to find what you want to spend the rest of your life doing, you must be willing to crawl through some mud and garbage to get there.
What Are You Willing to Do?
Are you willing to sacrifice family time? What habits are you willing to let go of? What do you really want?
Whether it’s starting a business, continuing school, or just doing more of what you love and making a living from it, you must be willing to sacrifice whatever it is that’s holding you back.
To make space for your long-term plans, your short-term habits that serve no purpose must go. You have to give something to get something.
Do a deep analysis of your life, evaluate your research findings, and cut what needs to be cut.
For example:
If you drink half a bottle of wine every night and your plans are to achieve better health, the wine has to go!
Sometimes, what you value might be the very thing holding you back from achieving exactly what you want.
Now that we’ve established the prerequisite of this journey, here are …
Your Future Plans in 7 Steps
Step 1. Grab Your Journal and Write Three Things You Love to Do
When beginning your search, it’s best to start and focus on the things you love doing. Nine times out of ten, one of those things — or something closely related — will be what you end up doing for the rest of your life.
It might be something as simple as creating art, music, organizing, or simply traveling. Getting your thoughts down on paper will allow you to analyze what’s in your mind.
To start, you can create a long list of all the things that intrigue you, and then narrow them down to the top three.
A great way to approach this step, if you’re still unsure on what to put on your list, then think about what you used to love doing when you were young and list everything that brings a happy thought and a smile to your face.
Do not allow money to influence this list. This list should be filled with things that bring you joy.
Step 2: How Are Your Big 3 Related to One Another?
What do the three things you’ve listed have in common? Are they creative, or are they analytical? Are they action-based or are they passive in nature?
This step may be a little difficult at first, but don’t lose courage. Sometimes you won’t see the theme until a few days or weeks after.
Don’t try to rush this process. It’s your life’s goals that you’re trying to plan, not a term paper.
The moment you realize what they all have in common is the moment you can start exploring different avenues and take the next step, which is the fun part.
Step 3: Start Experimenting With Ideas
Most people say they want more when in actuality, what they want is a lot less.
For example:
Someone might say they want their dream job to have extra benefits during the holidays and a month-long vacation. However, what they really want is a salary that allows them to keep saving so they can spend more time with their family.
You won’t know what you want until you start experimenting with everything within the theme you’ve identified in step two. Moving forward depends on your willingness to learn new things and also try new things.
During this experiment phase, do something different every day. Try new foods, read new books, and explore new places. Whatever feels right, do it. If it feels a bit weird at first, your gut feeling will let you know if that type of energy is right for you or not.
Break all barriers, especially the ones you’ve set up in your mind. Do whatever you feel like doing. Allow yourself to feel free by creating that reality for yourself.
During this time, you’ll find that you begin to have ideas and maybe start to work towards small projects, indulge in these nudges without judgment, and let it all happen.
This time of exploration and experimentation is the best way to find your purpose.
Again, please don’t try to rush this process. This is where all the fun happens!
Steps four through seven will be in the next blog post!
Hmm. I know in my future I want to live a simpler life somewhere warm. I don’t have big wants for my career. I just want to be at peace.
That sounds like a wonderful dream Kyrsten, all you need to do now is create a plan of making that dream your reality and you’ll be living exactly how you want to! I’m cheering you on!!
Nice post 🙂
Thanks Reut!