Our brains are wired to keep us in the past. Why? Because it seems safe. We’ve gotten as far as we have in life by measuring risk and safety and making decisions from that place.

But what happens when we are faced with a new problem? Our brain wants to revert back to that place of safety but oftentimes that doesn’t help us solve it.

When I’m stuck on an issue I like to think about my future self and how she would solve the problem. It requires me to think from a place I’m striving to become rather than thinking from the place I am currently at.

Here is what I’ve determined. My future self is very wise. She has been through some really hard stuff in life and come out on the other side a better version of herself. She is thoughtful and kind. She doesn’t overreact or over function or over eat when she is stressed.

My future self is crazy resilient and can navigate difficult things. She doesn’t cry over pregnancy announcements. She isn’t defeated by challenges. She doesn’t wallow in self-pity or despair.

My future self is a mother. A really great mother to her children and an amazing example of what is possible in the world. She knows what is important and always makes the best decisions for her and her family.

When we are past focused everything is very predictable and safe. It is very comfortable to live that way and doesn’t require a higher level of thinking. We’re just recycling thoughts from the past.

Thinking from the future and who you will become requires creativity and the possibility of failure. When we venture out beyond what we are comfortable with our brains have to adjust and develop new thoughts to solve new problems. Anything new is considered dangerous but is so necessary to experience to step into becoming that version of your future self you are striving for.

Do you want to find out who your future self is? I can help you.