What Will My Future Be? That Depends on Me
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Each one of us has all the answers; we just have to listen to that inner voice I call “knowing.”
If that does not work for you, there are other ways you can have the future you want by designing it now and, most importantly, being that future now. I have built my life on this and against all odds, I am here.
If you want respect, give respect — the same for other wants, insert your positive answer here “I want _______.”
It could be money, then you must give money; the same for kindness — you get the point. This may not be easy, but as they say, “Practice makes perfect.”
If you have been reading the other Rolling Stone articles I have written, then you may see a pattern: Assess what worked, what didn’t and why and then implement change. Do this for yourself, too, as you will be better for it, and then so will the world, with time. If we take care of ourselves in a non-narcissistic way, we have more energy, clearer vision and gentler tones; that is what I would like to receive, so I give that to myself.
Reciprocity goes beyond thanking someone — it is giving to someone as a thank you. If you read the third sentence of this article, you will see that by reciprocating to others, they will also reciprocate to you.
I’m going to ask you a couple of questions right now and I’d like you to jot down the very first answer that pops up in your mind — whatever it is, even if it does not make sense.
• If I offered you a job right now and asked you: What title would you like under your name on the business cards, what would that be?
• What would you like to do that you are not doing now?
For those two questions, take that first thought and break it down. Dissect it. Get more specific about that answer.
The Rolling Stone Culture Council is an invitation-only community for Influencers, Innovators and Creatives. Do I qualify?
Let’s say you wanted to be a teacher. What kind? Grade school, middle, high school, charter, college, university, special needs, elderly, private, large school, small student-to-teacher ratio, etc. Now dig even deeper: Where? What country, what county, what town? If it is where you are right now, would that include a move, remotely?
What are stress factors for you? That could be no parking or no perks. Some people like to be micro-managed, and if that’s you, then a free-range environment is not good for you. Know what your triggers are and try to heal them, but most importantly, do not put yourself in an environment that would trigger those stress factors.
I often do this next part, as it is my life’s purpose: What would you like your future to be?
Whatever that future is for you, you can get there faster by reading, watching, buying, sharing and experiencing things now that are that future you see. That is how I got here. Not all is perfect, but it is a lot better than where I started. I am better for it and I feel the world around me is better for it, too.
The other thing I tell myself in that dark spot of life is, “You’ve got this.” Because I do. I make the choice that brings me in the direction of the future I see. I wish you your positive future.
It has been an honor and a privilege to share stories from my experiences via Rolling Stone Culture Council. Signing off — Susan Johnston.