The first step I took towards creating my dream life
One of the very first steps I took towards building a better life for myself was to write down exactly what I wanted.Sounds simple enough, right? But this is actually incredibly powerful.Once you write down your goals as if they are true, the brain starts to believe that is in fact your reality.The subconscious mind does not know the difference between your thoughts and your reality.The fastest and easiest way to start creating your dream is to write a letter to your future self.I learned this trick from a coaching group I was a part of last year and thought I had nothing to lose by doing it.Turns out I had everything to gain.I recently found the letter I had written almost exactly a year ago and was shocked.Everything I listed out either came true or I am currently working on making a reality.I actually had to re-read it a couple times because I couldn't believe it. I was living the same life I spelled out in my letter.So obviously you clicked on this article because you wanted to know how to start, right? Well here its is.A few tips on how to write your own future-self letter:
- keep it in first person and present tense i.e. "I live on the west coast"
- don't hold anything back, write what you really want!
- include how you want to feel in your body and relationships
- focus on the three big areas of your life: love, career, and mindset
Here's some ideas of how to start generating goals for your life:LoveIf you are single and want a relationship, really describe the type of person you want to be with.List out the activities and hobbies you love to do together.Write out what you two will talk about, views on life, and values you share.Write about how they see the world, how they treat you, what is important to them.Now turn it on you and write out how you attracted this person, why you love them and how they make you feel.This works if you are in a relationship, too.List out the ways you want to grow with your partner, the things that will make each of you happy.If there is trouble in your relationship currently, write out where you want to be a year from now.If you acknowledge that it is time to be single, list out all the ways you want to learn about yourself and how you will grow during that time.And as always, write the emotions and things you feel! Excitement, joy, curiosity, contentment, list it all.CareerFor career, it is important to also remember how you want to feel in your job.Maybe you know exactly what you want to do, and you can describe it in detail.Or you have a certain financial goal you want to reach so you include that.Be specific in how much money you want to make, how money is coming in and how you spend it.A lot of times people are scared of the topic of money or feel out of control.But money is just energy, it flows in and out and it's there for the taking.If you feel completely lost in your career and what you want to do, always go back to the feeling you are seeking.Do you want to work for yourself or be part of a team? Do you want to help other people or tap into your creativity?Remember, nothing is off limits and can be completely different from where you are now.This is your future and you get to create it.MindsetNow this is my favorite topic because this will dictate every other action you take.A healthy mindset is the foundation to the dream life you wish to create.Mindset encompasses things such as body image, how you handle stress, openness to change, growth vs stagnation.Most humans are wired to be pessimistic, fearful, anxious of what is going to happen.But you can re-wire your brain. It will just take some effort and focus, but it can be done.That is why writing a letter such as this is one of the most powerful tools to shift your mindset.Some examples of mindset changes you want to accomplish are:How you want to feel in your body, regardless of shape or size.How you handle setbacks and stress.What confidence means to you and how you will foster it.The level of self awareness you have and the issues you want to work on.What self development means for your life and the ways you honor and commit to it.The beauty of letter writing is that it can always change. You can set a date you want to accomplish these by and read it every morning to yourself.Or you can write a new letter every morning and shape your goals as you go.You can also write a letter with a significant other and create your future together.But whatever you do, don't skip this. This is the most powerful and guaranteed way to start shaping your future.Grab a piece of paper, mark today's date, and start taking control of your life.