What if you could work backwards. See into the future. Would you like to take a glimpse into your life in say 20 years? What will you be doing? How will you be living? Maybe you’ll be retired. The kids will have moved out. Then, what’s next?
That’s usually the time people start to try and “live”, right? That’s when you hear people talk a lot about travel. It’s when you try and see all the places you’ve always wanted to see. People even talk of finding a dream home on an island somewhere. It all sounds great! This is also the time we hear people talk about the “what if’s”. “I should have”. “I would have”.
Why do we save so much of the good stuff for later? Why not get a sampling of what you want along the way?
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If you could see 20 years from now, how would you want to be living? Here’s the challenge, take that picture and work backwards. I’ve got a clear picture of what I want for my life in the next 5-10 years but stretching out to 20 is a big one. I’m pushing myself to do it though because I want to make the decisions now, in my 30s, to set the wheels in motion for what I want in my 50s.
Break the vision down in terms of career, financial, family, etc. Determine what it is you want to see for each of these areas. Then break it down, break it down. You need to find small ways to make big impacts so that the type of life you want to live doesn’t feel overwhelming. Use a time frame to check in with yourself about where things are going and where you may need to step it up.
One way to keep it simple is to start this way: Try looking backwards at your life and think about the things you don’t want to be “should have”, “what if” moments. Pick one of those things and do it now! Once you’ve done that you can build from there.
The two things that stand out for me are long term family and financial goals. I’m working on those regularly to make sure I’m making real progress where those are concerned. It works better for me to focus on a couple of things at a time. I tend to see things in the big picture and try to do too many things at once. Breaking down what I want long term into a couple of things at a time works for me. There are lots of things on the plate but by spending time on two things for a specified period works for me. Then I can rotate and give other things my attention for a time and keep that system going so that everything gets my attention.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. What’s one thing you want to see for yourself long term?
44 Comments on What if we worked backwards?
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I never really thought about this before. This is an interesting idea.
harriet recently posted…CLAIROL Hair Food Moisturizing Hair Mask
I am pretty sure I have a “what if” moment every single day at some point. I think I will start doing more of those ifs.
That’s a really interesting post…I keep thinking ‘what if’ pretty much every day.
Izabela recently posted…Last Month
I love this post. I look forward everyday, but I never really stop and take in today.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted…Tuition Insurance from Allianz Global Assistance
It would be nice to approach everything like this. Sometimes the larger goals seem way too far off to be achievable.
Liz Mays recently posted…Wake Up with Me: My New Morning Routine!
I would love to be retired and enjoying life with my family in 20 years. I think I am making good decisions now to be able to do that.
Valerie recently posted…Get Your Kids Involved In The Savings And The Fun With A Box Tops Word Hunt #BTFE
SO funny that I read this right now. I just did a maze book with my preschooler and we did a few backwards to see where we needed to go!
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama recently posted…Help for My Baby Brain
What a great post. It really made me stop and think. In the longer term I would like to see that I am ready for retirement.
Huh….interesting concept. I have to say, I’ve never thought about it.
Isabella Grey recently posted…Pika Pika!
My long term goals include a focus on business and travel. I would love to continue to see my work and career opportunities progress and look forward to visiting more destinations too.
Marcie W. recently posted…Candace’s Corner – Whole Foods Market Introduces Natural Baby Care Products & Eco-Friendly School Supplies
I want to see myself traveling more. I have already started working towards it.
That’s a tough pondering question. I want to travel but more important I want to raise our girls to be amazing independent women.
This is such a great idea. I need to try looking at things a little differently.
Felicia recently posted…The Importance of Friendship for Little Boys {$75 Gymboree GC GIVEAWAY}
It’s so easy to dwell on the past. I’m hoping to grow my rebranded blog
Christie recently posted…Celebrate International Chocolate Day with Balance Bar + Giveaway
I love this. That is why I am not waiting to travel and I am doing it now! Do it while you are young and can enjoy it!
Tyra recently posted…Teen Travel Talk: Cancun- A Tropical City for All Ages
I’m starting to make plans for sooner rather than later. It seems the money I try to tuck aside gets called upon for emergency repairs or annual renewals. Your advice is very good.
Good points. Too many wait for their dreams
Debbie Denny recently posted…The Importance of Healthy Food Access!
This is interesting to think about. Very good points, I have a lot of what ifs… but I tend to just ignore.
Jeanine recently posted…5 Tips for Getting Organized for Back to School
This is a fantastic idea. I am going threw some big changes. I will have to see where i can do this in my life.
Wow, this really got me thinking. My husband and I always say we will travel more when the kids are older but we should do it now!
Melissa recently posted…The Tyson Project A+ Program Can Help Your School
Thought provoking post for me. Hmmm. made me think and realize lots of things, for real.
Ron recently posted…Must See: Customized Air Jordan 11s of a Recently Married Basketball Couple!
My sister is an empty-nester and living the life you’ve described. She works hard, but vacations hard too. I envy the freedom she has to pick up & take off. At the same time, my kids are old enough to be spontaneous. There’s no reason to wait!
Crystal recently posted…Maytag’s #MyFilthiestPlay Photo Contest
Come to think of it. I always focus on the future and because of this I forget to savor the moment. Planniing for the future is great, but we should also enjoy today.
Dogvills recently posted…Best Small Dogs for Families with Kids & Cats
Great concept! I’ll have to try this!
Why not, right? It’s an awesome idea. At least we could cross a few things off our list and stop wondering.
What a poignant point of reflection. I think with insight we all might make changes. I try to live each day with intention so I leave it feeling I’ve spent my time without regrets.
Toni | BoulderLocavore recently posted…Mermaid Bait Bars
This is really good, Camesha. Planning now for 2, 5 and even 10 years down the road is something we’re working on now. Insightful thoughts. Thank you.
Rani recently posted…Women Entrepreneurs in Digital Media: Courtney Herring
I work on my dreams everyday by breaking them down into manageable goals… and everyday I get one step closer.
Nicole (Nicole’s Lifestyle Lounge) recently posted…6 Essentials That I Can’t Leave Home Without & You Shouldn’t Either
This is a great twist on the where do I want to be in 20 years question. I know on what if I don’t want is what if I got healthy sooner. I don’t want to be sick in 20 years so I should act on this what if now.
Interesting story worked backwards what a surprise did not expect base on prejudging your title. After reading your blog post had me thinking about my future and what I truly want to do start now. Great Ideas!
PATRICE recently posted…Change how you think can bring positive changes
Interesting and thought provoking question. I would hope to be retired in 20 years. In fact, I hope to retire from my corporate job next year. Great post and I’m truly thinking of small things that could make an impact on my goals.
Shawana recently posted…It’s September: Are you Falling Backwards or Forward?
Hehe I never really gave this any thought… Now here I am in bed and probably going to think about this when. I should be sleeping 😉
That’s a smart idea to look backwards at your life to see where you could use things to move forward.
Great post! Long term I see myself bringing in a sufficient income to help my husband support our household while still being able to spend the time I love with my Kiddies on a day to day basis. I am working my way there each moment.
Tiffany recently posted…It’s Not About Me | It’s All About Him
What a great way to look at this…and change your perspective about how to live our lives presently!
Mrs. Pancakes recently posted…Mommylogues: Gender Reveal Holdout
Great post! Never really thought about it. I am working towards setting my children up for success, but really need more time to think about this LOL!
Valerie recently posted…[Fashion] Labor Day Weekend Edition: All White Party Attire
Two years ago I decided to live the life I wanted. I’m so thankful that I made the choice now instead of waiting for later. It has changed me as a person for the better.
Mimi “MimiCuteLips” Green recently posted…Diner en Blanc DC
Oh wow, the way time flies 20 years will be here before we know it. My Khloe would be in college and my two sons would God willingly be successful in whatever ventures they choose. For me and babe we’d be traveling and enjoying life.
Kara (Kay’s Ways) recently posted…How To Deal with Low Porosity Hair
I know I definitely wonder what things will be like in a few years form now. But I don’t think I would actually take that opportunity if presented to me. Just going along for the ride is fun!
Jennifer Pridemore recently posted…Minute Maid Wants You to Know You’re Doin’ Good
Long term I’d love to see what no credit card, car note, or student loans looks like 🙂
Jonna recently posted…Easy DIY Candle Jar Makeup Brush Holder
I never thought about this, very interesting and thanks for sharing!
rocky recently posted…Top Five Wedding Gift Registry Items at Best Buy
I’m a free spirit and a stop and smell the roses type of gal. Although I have lots of plans of things I want to be doing 10, 30 years from now I try to soak in now and think about when I used to wish j was the age and have to freedoms and responsibility I have.
Adanna recently posted…5 Fun Activities For Toddlers
This gave me so much to think about, we do really approach life this way, waiting always waiting for the right time to do things, the thing is the right time rarely comes along…life will always continue to happen
Tomorrow is not guaranteed…do it now:)