Work In Colour - Work. Think. Live. In Colour
Tuesday 7th September 2010 | 5 comments
I've been using a '3 futures' exercise with some of my clients lately. It's been fun - and productive - so I thought to share it with you.
In this exercise, you look at three possible different futures and really play out how your life might look after, say, 5 years of living each of them.
It's a great exercise to do when you are at a crossroads, when you're in that moment in a career or life change when you just can't decide what's next.
Start by thinking of all the things that might get in the way of change for you - is it money, small children, financial commitments, investment in a particular work identity, status, family stuff, or...?
Now, for the moment, just sweep them aside. We aren't ignoring them, just moving them off centre stage for a minute.
Then, imagine a world where there are NO obstacles to whatever future you might imagine, none.
And ask yourself this question: 'What future would bring me the most satisfaction / success / happiness?'
If there is only one winner, go to Part 2A.
If you have more than one clear answer, move on to Part 2B.
Now, for your top future, imagine your life in say 5 years' time. Think about a typical day:
Record this in whatever way you like - journal, collage, mindmap, list, a story, a recording...
Zero in on the top three possibilities for a future direction, picking the three that seem the most attractive or compelling or interesting, NOT the three that are most practical or easiest to achieve. Remember that for the moment there are no obstacles in the way of achieving these dreams.
Now, pick one of the three, and imagine your life in say 5 years' time. Think about a typical day:
Record this in whatever way you like - journal, collage, mindmap, list, a story, a recording...
Then repeat for the other two futures.
Thinking about the three, which one seems more compelling or inviting?
Taking your top pick, bring all those obstacles - money, time, kids, status, identity, fear - back into view. Make a list of them, thinking of them as logistics challenges rather than reasons not to move forward.
Looking at them one by one, brainstorm ways you could overcome the obstacles. Assume that there IS a way around each challenge without losing your dream.
If you get stuck, get help - talk to a coach, a mentor, a colleague or a friend. Do some research, seek out people who have done what you dream of doing.
Don't give up.
It is good to think about this every now and then.
Great exercise.
My dream is so much "less" than what I live now and it is still hard to get further on to the path.
"There are no paths, paths are made by walking."
We all have to find it ourselves....
Thanks Astrid, I really like the idea of dreaming 'less', not more...and the thought that we have to find it for ourselves.
perfect timing as ever Joanna. I will give it a go later this evening.
Thanks Irina - let us know how it goes!
I will have fun with the 3 paths, I know which paths now, but I need to Journal them to be clearer. I will continue this after Journalling. Thanks.