Here’s something I’ve noticed, when I try to make next-level business decisions or get clear on where I want to take my business from my current self, I tend to talk myself into circles...because I’m wrapped up in what I currently know about what’s already happened.
And, we’ve all heard that quote about the definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.
Instead of this circular thinking, when it’s time to plan in my business or make important decisions - for example, around investing in support and team, I like to sit down with my future self.
I know this might sound a little out there, but stick with me for a second. I promise, this works. I sit down with my future self (she’s got a name and everything) and ask her questions about my future business plans.
I’ll look at my strategy and have her ask me questions.
I’ll ask her how she’s thinking about things - what’s her mindset around decisions? How does she think about business?
I’ll ask her what I need to know and what she’d do differently.
I’ll ask her what decision she’d make.
And, I filter my current decisions and actions through her, her thought process, and how she shows up to run my business.
She knows where the business is headed, she knows what I’m stepping into, and I trust her wisdom.
Of course, it’s all me, but tapping into this future-paced thinking allows you to unhook from your present without future-worry-tripping, step into more of a neutral observer role, shift your perspective and thinking, so that you can make clear decisions in your business that serve where you want to go instead of where you’ve already been.
Most of us are so busy that we’re creating by default, and the brain’s default is to repeat what it already knows. Slowing down to do this exercise supports you to tap into the forward-thinking, creative, planning, ‘executive’ part of your brain so you can consciously create something new and different.
Sometimes when I share this exercise with clients, they worry about f-ing it up because they don’t actually know what’s in the future. I like to remind them, and I’ll remind you the same - that’s the power of this exercise, it asks you to think higher than your current, repetitive thoughts, and this is how you CREATE the future and something new you want in your business.
This allows you to step back into the role of CEO and consciously decide the future you’re intentionally creating in your business instead of allowing your brain’s autopilot to run your business and the course of your future success.
Hit reply and let me know if you’re ready to give this a try! (And, if your future self has a name, I’d love to know it!)
Wishing you your version of success.
