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What Your Future Self Wishes You'd Do Today

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Imagine sitting across the table from your Future Self, one year from now. Ask that future self: "What's the one thing you wish I'd done today to advance my career?"

This powerful career self assessment exercise, suggested by Gary Bolles, global fellow for transformation for Singularity University and author of The Next Rules of Work, at the UNLEASH World conference, underscores a fresh approach to personal growth. We attend conferences to be inspired, to open our minds to possibilities, and to connect with thought leaders in our industry. But how often have we left these events brimming with ideas, only to return to the day-to-day grind and watch those insights slip away as job demands quickly take over?

Instead of letting new ideas drift away, Bolles offers a practical way to harness inspiration and set a proactive course for career growth: Reflect, Synthesize, and Act. Here's how to use this approach as a self assessment framework to take charge of your development.

Step 1: Reflect – To Build Clarity

Most internal journeys begin with reflection, and personal growth is an internal journey.

Taking time to reflect creates a foundation for self-awareness and direction. After wrapping up a conference or a significant learning experience, rather than rushing back to work, make time to consolidate what you've learned. For some, this might mean reviewing notes and distilling insights into content like posts, columns, or presentations to share with the team. For others, it could involve summarizing what resonated, what inspired you, or jotting down new ideas in a journal.

In the broader sense, reflection is about pausing to examine your direction and understand what truly matters to you. Day-to-day, many of us have work-related to-do lists and shopping lists on the fridge. But when was the last time you stepped back from the noise and asked yourself what you want for your career? What are your aspirations, and how aligned are they with your current path?

What Does a Successful One-Year Future Self Look Like?

Don't wait for the rare annual review or a career milestone; reflection doesn't need to be tied to formal events. Regular self-reflection can provide ongoing clarity and keep your long-term vision in focus. Try a practice like "Morning Pages," a stream-of-consciousness writing exercise, or set aside Friday afternoons to list weekly wins and challenges. Reflection doesn't need to be lengthy—just consistent.

Step 2: Synthesize – To Define Your Next Move

Once you've grounded yourself through reflection, it's time to synthesize these insights by looking forward. This is where the Future-You exercise comes in. By envisioning your future self, you can gain a fresh perspective on today's choices and clarify the specific actions that will move you closer to your goals. Rather than creating a lengthy to-do list, this exercise encourages focusing on one or two meaningful actions that could have the biggest impact on your future.

Imagine Future You on a specific day a year from now. Picture the details—where you are, who you're with, and what you're working on. How does this vision differ from today? By placing yourself in that future moment, you make your goals feel more tangible and attainable. Then ask, "What does Future Me wish I would do today to ensure success?" This helps you zoom in on what's most important for growth and gives you a way to evaluate today's choices with a view toward tomorrow.

Step 3: Act – To Make Progress Real

Insight alone doesn't drive growth; action is what creates real change. Once you've identified a key focus, translate it into specific steps and start moving forward. Practical action means creating manageable steps you can begin immediately—whether it's dedicating time each week to learn a new skill, reaching out to a mentor, or finally launching a project you've been postponing.

In their book Switch, authors Chip and Dan Heath discuss the importance of "shaping the path"—setting up structures and environments that make change easier. By establishing consistent reflection times, routines for accountability, and manageable steps toward goals, you shape a path that aligns with your intentions, making it simpler to stay on course. One such path is forming an accountability partnership—someone with whom you can share your goals and who can help you stay on track.

Another way to build momentum is by creating a routine around your commitment. For example, if your goal is to expand your professional network, try a "Tuesday Lunch" practice: commit to one lunch each week with someone you don't usually interact with at work. This way, you'll consistently ask yourself, "Who do I want to meet this week?" You might also consider creating a progress log to track your steps weekly or monthly. Documenting small wins will remind you of your commitment to growth and reinforce that meaningful change is happening over time.

Shifting from External Validation to Internal Ownership

Traditionally, growth and development have been tied to formal reviews, structured feedback sessions, and training programs. While these are valuable, they can foster a passive approach to growth, waiting for external validation to drive advancement. Unlike these traditional methods, internal ownership is continuous. You no longer have to wait for external affirmation—you can build progress yourself, growing through each interaction and reflection. Bolles' Reflect, Synthesize, Act model offers a proactive self assessment alternative, putting control firmly in your own hands.

In a world where "today is the slowest day in the rest of your life," taking ownership of your growth is not only beneficial but essential. This approach empowers you to build a career that is resilient, aligned with your deepest aspirations, and ready to adapt to future demands.

For lasting impact, consider establishing a monthly or quarterly "Reflect, Synthesize, Act" session. Whether it's an hour spent in a coffee shop or a quiet morning with a journal, a regular ritual can make this practice a natural and empowering part of your growth.

By adopting this model for career self assessment, you can proactively shape your development, adapting in real time to new challenges and opportunities. In a world of constant change, taking ownership of your growth is a powerful tool for resilience and long-term success. This self-directed approach doesn't replace traditional feedback; it complements it, keeping you engaged, accountable, and focused on a career that aligns with your future vision.

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