I’ve only recently started to write in a future self journal. I didn’t even realize it was really a thing until I noticed that I was continually writing down my affirmations and expanding on them into journal-like entries.
Then I researched it, and here I am to share it with you.
I’m huge on affirmations. I constantly visualize what I want to achieve, where I want to go, and the things I want to do.
Over time, I started to expand on my one or two-sentence affirmations during my morning routine. I found myself journaling about my hopes and dreams, personally and professionally. I felt like I was taking my affirmations to the next level.
Once I realized I was onto something I started to dig into it and think about all aspects of what is needed for a future self journal.
What To Include In Your Journal Entries
This really is up to you. But what I like to do is hit on each of the following when I am writing in my future self journal:
1. Appreciation: I typically take a moment right when I wake up before I get out of bed to list off a few things I am grateful for. I love starting my day that way. And I have started to include gratitude in my future self journal too. Writing down my appreciation for life, loved ones, my home and environment, and anything else I am grateful for feels good. It gives my gratitude power and purpose and I love it.
2. Goals: Everyone has goals for their future self – so it’s the perfect thing to include in your future self journal. Not only does it give you a sense of accountability for the goal, but it also puts it at the forefront of your mind every day. It keeps the personal conversation going about what you want to achieve. And it’s great to write it out like an affirmation.
3. Steps: I always include the steps I need to take to reach the goal I write down. When I break down the steps for a goal it makes it seem so much more achievable. It’s also telling your future self what you need to focus on in order to get there.
4. Changes: Part of my future self journal has always included things that I would like to change about myself. Like eating late in the evening. Oftentimes, my husband and I would sit down to dinner at 8:00 pm – which is just too late. So I wrote about it and knew it was a habit I wanted to change. And changing that habit meant I had to change others in order to rework my evening timeline. Now we eat dinner by 6:00 pm and aren’t going to bed so full. Take time to think of what you would like to change, write it down and step it out like you did your goals.
When Should You Future Self Journal
I now write in my future self journal almost daily. I combine it with my affirmations but keep it separate from my regular journal. To me, a future self-journal and a regular journal have separate purposes.
Honestly, some days I just don’t have the time to write in both of my journals. Even though I set aside time in my morning routine for journaling.
On days when I don’t write in my journal, I make sure to take a few moments throughout the course of my day to focus on my future goals and affirmations. I might do this while I’m driving or when I’m cleaning the kitchen.
Sometimes I get all the way to crawling into bed and realize I didn’t put any time into my future self during the day, so that’s when I take a moment before I fall asleep to do so.
Once you get into the habit of planning and thinking positively about your future you will make time for it. Really, it’s such a good feeling, especially once you see yourself achieve things that you have written about and visualized for your future self.
The Conversation of Your Future Self Journal
I look at my future self journal as a conversation with myself. I know some people who write letters to themselves, it’s really the same idea. When you’re writing in your journal it’s a good time to be honest with yourself and have an open dialogue with yourself.
I tend to free-write in my regular journal but once in a while do the same in my future self journal. However, when I do, I tend to get off-topic, so I don’t always do it. But it may work for you.
Free writing allows you to just get everything you want to say out on paper. So if you’re writing to your future self just go all in and tell them who you want them to be.
Give future self journaling a try. It’s great to visualize your future. Writing it down takes it a step further. It’s also great to revisit old entries and see the progress that you have made. Because eventually you are living that future self and it’s rewarding to enjoy it in the present.
If you’re looking to level up your Future Self Journal or some free prompts check out these articles:
Future Self Journal Prompts – Visualize Your Best Future Today
Is It Time to Level Up Your Future Self Journal? Try These 7 Tips
Check out my Future Self Journal Printable on Etsy. It helps you visualize whom you want your future self to be and guides you to set goals, step-by-step, to become that person.
