In a coaching session this week, a leader asked me for advice. It is always tough being a coach as we can’t give all the answers however it is up to us to ask questions to help our clients come up with the answers themselves. In saying that, I do give answers and insights too. So I asked him – what would your 95 year old self say to you today? He smiled and said, he would say go for it!
Imagining what your 95-year-old self might say can be a powerful exercise in gaining perspective and guidance. There is so much she would say to me! What do you think?
Here are a few possible messages:
- Prioritise Health: “Take care of your Health. It’s the foundation for everything else in your life.”
- Cherish Relationships: “Value your relationships and spend time with loved ones. They are what make life meaningful.”
- Be Kind: “Always choose kindness. It creates a positive impact that lasts far longer than you might think.”
- Take Risks: “Don’t be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. Growth and new opportunities come from challenges.”
- Keep Learning: “Never stop learning. Stay curious and open-minded; it keeps life interesting and fulfilling.”
- Live in the Moment: “Enjoy the present. Don’t get too caught up in the past or future; life is happening now.”
- Pursue Passion: “Follow your passions and do what you love. It brings joy and satisfaction.”
- Contribute Positively: “Make a positive difference in the world. Even small acts of kindness and leadership can have a significant impact.”
- Stay True to Yourself: “Be authentic and true to yourself. Don’t compromise your values and Integrity.”
- Embrace Change: “Adapt to changes and embrace them. Life is full of transitions, and resilience is key to navigating them successfully.”
Reflections from your future self can serve as a guide to help you make meaningful choices in your current life.
Table of Content:
What is your legacy?
“You pile up enough tomorrows, and you’ll find you are left with nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays.” – Meredith Willson
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What Legacy do you want to leave?
Thinking about the legacy you want to leave can guide your actions and decisions. Here are some elements to consider:
- Positive Impact on Others: “I want to be remembered for the kindness and support I offered to those around me.”
- Meaningful Relationships: “I hope to leave behind strong, loving relationships with family and friends, showing them how much they mattered to me.”
- Personal and Professional Achievements: “I aspire to leave a legacy of accomplishments in my career and personal pursuits that reflect my hard work, dedication, and passion.”
- Contributions to the Community: “I want to have made a difference in my community through volunteering, mentorship, or other service forms.”
- Lifelong Learning and Growth: “I aim to be remembered as someone who never stopped learning and growing, inspiring others to do the same.”
- Values and Integrity: “I hope to leave a legacy of living with integrity, staying true to my values, and encouraging others to do the same.”
- Environmental Stewardship: “I want to have contributed to protecting and preserving the environment, promoting sustainability and respect for nature.”
- Creativity and Innovation: “I aspire to leave behind a legacy of creativity and innovation, showing that thinking outside the box can lead to amazing possibilities.”
- Encouraging Others: “I hope to be remembered for encouraging others to pursue their dreams and believe in themselves.”
- Kindness and Compassion: “I want to leave a legacy of kindness and compassion, demonstrating that empathy and understanding can transform lives.”
Reflecting on these elements can help you focus on what truly matters to you and guide your actions to create a meaningful legacy.
No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind. – Taylor Swift
Have you ever thought about what you really want?
Yes, I have definitely thought about what I want, and it’s a valuable exercise for anyone. Clarifying your desires and goals can help you make intentional decisions and live a more fulfilling life. Here are some steps you can take to think about what you really want:
- Reflect on Your Values: Consider what values are most important to you. Is it kindness, Integrity, success, creativity, or something else? Understanding your core values can guide your desires and goals.
- Identify Your Passions: Consider what activities or topics excite you the most. What are you passionate about? What makes you feel alive and engaged?
- Consider Your Strengths: Reflect on your strengths and talents. What are you naturally good at? How can you leverage these strengths to achieve your goals?
- Envision Your Ideal Life: Imagine what your ideal life looks like in different areas, such as career, relationships, Health, and personal growth. What do you see yourself doing? Where are you living? Who are you surrounded by?
- Set Clear Goals: Based on your reflections, set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. These goals should align with your values, passions, and strengths.
- Prioritise Your Goals: Determine which goals are most important to you and focus on them. Prioritizing helps you allocate your time and energy effectively.
- Stay Flexible: Life is unpredictable, and your desires and goals may change. Be open to reevaluating and adjusting your goals as needed.
- Seek Feedback: Talk to trusted friends, family, or mentors about your goals and desires. They can offer valuable insights and support.
- Take Action: Once you know what you want, take concrete steps towards achieving your goals. Break them down into smaller tasks and stay committed.
- Reflect Regularly: Periodically reflect on your progress and reassess your goals. Are you moving in the direction you want? Are your goals still aligned with your values and passions?
By taking these steps, you can better understand what you really want and create a roadmap to achieve it.
