I love to look at and take time to consider and analyze my future self. I find that it helps my present self to stay on track and moving forward toward my goals.
When I first heard of a future self journal, honestly, I didn’t think much of it. I started journaling regularly a few years ago and was ready to take it up a notch. That’s when I came across future self journaling and it was one of my first steps toward really considering my future self..
I find keeping a future self journal to be similar to my visualization practice. Both require me to look at my future self, envision what and where I want to be, and put positive energy behind it.
The main difference is that when I visualize I’m utilizing higher vibrations within me to focus on my future. And when I’m journaling I’m writing out the details of what I want and am able to get quite specific.
Why I Put So Much Focus on My Future Self
I find that I can get quite lost in the moment when I’m living my day-to-day life. It takes a lot to stay focused and keep pushing forward with my goals.
When I focus on my future it gives me purpose in the present. So as I plan out my daily tasks I take time to focus on my future and what I need to accomplish today in order to achieve where I want to be in my future.
I find this keeps me motivated to continue pushing myself in a positive way.
The great thing about this process is that I can choose any idea that I would like for my future to draw inspiration from. For example, I have a dream of RV-ing across the country with my husband. This dream inspires me to continue to try and build my passive income which will one day support this dream.
When I envision our cross-country trip I allow myself to hone in on specific details. From cooking over a fire to long drives on empty highways. The more I put into my details the more I find I want to work towards living them.
How I Use Affirmations in My Future Self Work
Affirmations are extremely powerful when practiced regularly. I typically write out my affirmations twice a day, in the morning and right before I go to bed. Most days I add in at least one affirmation that is focused on my future self.
Throughout the day I tend to repeat affirmations to myself. Sometimes when I’m driving, or doing something like emptying the dishwasher. In those moments, I like to repeat statements that make me feel empowered and driven towards my future.
I organize my thoughts around one topic that I am feeling passionate about at the time and create an affirmation.
If it’s a moment that I am feeling inspired by my writing, I might say to myself, “I am a best selling author and spend time each day on my writing in order to bring reading pleasure to others.”
Or if I’m focused on wanting to RV with my husband, I will say to myself, “I am preparing for my cross-country journey with my husband where we will experience many new and exciting adventures.”
Both of those affirmations are a bit vague. But the magic happens in the thoughts you surround them with. So for the writing affiramtion, as I’m saying it to myself, I’m envisioning myself at my ideal writing desk. For me, this is a mountain setting, and I’m surrounding by the beauty and sounds of nature. I have a cup of tea on my desk, and I can feel the fictional inspiration running through me.
I can even go as far as thinking of where my husband is while I’m writing. He loves to work on cars, so in my thoughts surrounding my affirmations, he’s working on a car in his garage with a soccer game on the tv in the background.
Going into detail brings the reality to the affirmation and sends your future self into the universe.
Looking Back to See My Present as My Past’s Future
This is one of my favorite things to do. And that’s because it’s proof that focusing on your future self works.
I like to remember back to past future self visions, affirmations, and goals. When I do that I see my achievements and the fact that I’m actually living what I once envisioned as my future self.
I have focused so much on my future self that I can on any day realize that I’m living what I put out into the universe.
My favorite past future self goal was setting my own schedule. It was something I put into so many affirmations day after day, added to my future self journal, and gave so much thought and focus to.
The crazy thing is that when I changed jobs and had the freedom to write my own schedule I didn’t even realize it came true until I was going back through an affirmation notebook to see what I had previously written. It was filled with affirmations about my work schedule and the changes I wanted to make.
It was such a strong a-ha moment to realize that my affirmation and future self work had come to fruition. Now I regularly reflect back to remind myself that the work I do and the time I spend on creating the life I want really pays off.
This a great time to reward yourself as you go through this process too. Take a moment and do something special for yourself as you continue to build the life you want.
Next Steps for My Future Self
My next steps are a regular thought in my mind. I am always reevaluating my focus and the steps I am taking. Some things come more quickly than others, and some I have to work really hard on.
I will continue to focus on my future self through my affirmations, visualizations and future self journals.
What do you do for your future self? Any tips you can share in the comments below?
Here are some additional articles you may want to check out on this topic:
What Is A Future Self Journal and Why You Should Keep One
Future Self Journal Prompts – Visualize Your Best Future Today
Is It Time to Level Up Your Future Self Journal? Try These 7 Tips
Night Affirmations: 25 Affirmations to Say Before You Go to Bed