My time machine... set the dials for 2016

I had another session with a life coach the other day, and we circled around the hairy topic of what I was looking for in the future and helping me make decisions about work, life, the universe etc....

One of the tools was for me to paint a picture of a time in the future that was relevant to me. This was my first big challenge... when in my future life was I going to be measured? This was part of the problem... I didn't know where I was going and didn't have a goal set for the future, so couldn't then work towards it. So in the end, I plumped for (randomly!) 7 years time in 2016...

I was then invited to brainstorm what the future held for me and then to reflect back upon that future to this time and place, generating a list of what had happened by 2016. Once I completed the list, I was invited to then prioritise my list, and my coach then interrogated & really challenged my priority of these items (but not the items on the list) and what became clear was that some were not the priority I thought they were and some were linked by cause & effect.

It was an emotional experience, especially the realisation of the shadow of my dad that I have created in my life, even at my age now. I don't think it will be the last experience with a life coach (as I've got many other issues needing to be resolved, e.g. self limiting behaviour...) and thus far its been very very helpful...

So I thought I would share with you the glimpse I have into this future with my list in order of importance...

1. I am on a path/direction for the future. I have clarity.
2. I feel stable; I have roots. I continue to be close to my friends. We are emotionally close, involved in each others lives; my family is their family and vice versa.
3. I have felt challenged and successful at meeting that challenge – this is my destiny.
4. I am financially secure – if I have an idea, I can go and do it; I am not constrained.
5. I am challenged by my father and have met that challenge and he respects me for that.
6. I am a catalyst eg. helping people take an idea through to selling a product.
7. I have broadened my skills, professionally and personally.
8. I am having fun.
9. I have brought fun and happiness into peoples lives.
10. I have helped other people (either directly or indirectly) as an inspiration.
11. I am set up to be emotionally, financially and physically supportive of my mother.
12. I am healthy and active.
13. I am married with children. I have found someone who wants to challenge me, who I perceive is (at least) equal to me, emotionally secure, respects me and accepts my challenge.
14. As a leader, people have met their own potential including myself.
15. I own at least one property – possibly London, Italy and Scotland.