Buzz
Writer’s block may not be commonly associated with composing a letter to your future self, yet articulating your message clearly can pose a challenge. Whether aiming to accomplish specific objectives, revisit items on your bucket list, or offer words of encouragement, your future self will undoubtedly appreciate receiving a letter. This guide provides insights to help structure your letter, suggest potential goals, and offer language to empower you for success. Rest assured, your future self will be flourishing.
Steps
Reflecting on Your Current Self
Decide on an age. Prior to anything else, determine the age at which you intend to read this letter in the future. You might opt to peruse the letter at 18, 25, or 30 years of age. Selecting an age will aid in delineating the objectives you wish to achieve by that phase in your life.
- Consider selecting an age that places you in distinct circumstances from your present situation. For instance, drafting the letter as a high school freshman and reading it during college allows you to gauge the extent of your life's evolution and whether your goals have been realized.
Keep it informal. Remember, this letter is for your future self, so there's no need to be overly formal. Write as if you're having a chat with your closest friend.
- When referring to your current self, use “I” language. When discussing your future self, use “you” language.
Recap who you are now. Start your letter with a brief summary of your current identity. Highlight recent achievements, like maintaining a 4.0 GPA, and present interests, such as extracurricular activities. This will help you gauge how much your life has evolved since penning the letter.
Address your apprehensions. Consider any fears you currently harbor, such as public speaking, transitioning after high school, or college acceptance anxiety. Reflecting on these fears in the future will demonstrate your growth. Contemplating them now might alleviate their severity or even prompt you to devise coping strategies or contingency plans.
Define your fundamental principles and convictions. Delve into what drives your current self. Whether influenced by religious beliefs or personal ethics, your value system significantly shapes your behavior. Being cognizant of your values can inform your vision of your future self.
- Share insights about your religious affiliation, if applicable, or principles like embracing diverse beliefs. Highlight moral standards such as compassion or assisting those in need.
Recognize your talents and proficiencies. Identify a handful of skills or talents that characterize your current life, such as winning sports competitions, leading musical groups, or coordinating school events. You might possess exceptional writing abilities or excel in mathematics. Reflecting on your existing strengths can steer your aspirations for the future.
Set your aspirations and dreams. Jot down what currently matters to you, like making the varsity soccer team or securing admission to a prestigious college. Also, envision future achievements, such as exploring Europe, having an article published in a magazine, or landing gigs for your band.
Connecting with Your Future Self
Specify actions to discontinue, maintain, and initiate. Consider ceasing habits like squabbling with siblings or nail-biting. Decide to persist with routines like attending weekly church services or upholding academic excellence. Ponder starting endeavors such as volunteering locally or joining extracurricular activities. Embed these objectives in your letter to assess future fulfillment.
Dispense personal counsel. Contemplate the guidance you wish to impart to your future self. Your advice can range from simple reminders to intricate directives. For instance, “show kindness to Mom,” “explore investment opportunities,” “prioritize religious observance,” “embrace optimism,” “approach higher education earnestly,” or “save for a car upgrade.” Reflect on present challenges to formulate guidance for your future self.
Pose introspective queries. Craft questions that prompt current self-reflection and future contemplation. Delve into topics like career satisfaction, relaxation practices, significant relationships, parental dynamics, and desired life modifications. Pose inquiries such as:
- Do you find fulfillment in your profession?
- How do you unwind?
- Who holds the utmost significance in your life?
- What characterizes your interactions with your parents?
- If you could alter one aspect of your life, what would it be?
Securing and Preserving the Letter
Secure the letter. Resist the urge to peek at the letter prematurely. Seal it in an envelope or tape it shut. This will safeguard the letter, particularly if you intend to wait 10-20 years before reading it. For digital letters, archive or move them to a designated folder for retrieval later.
Store the letter in a secure location. If you've opted for a hardcopy, choose a spot that's easily accessible yet shielded from environmental hazards. If the letter isn't conspicuous, leave yourself a conspicuous reminder to ensure you don't forget about it. Consider placing it in a keepsake box or even a time capsule.
- If you maintain a journal, consider writing the letter directly in it and marking the page, or penning the letter separately and slipping it between the journal's pages.
Utilize technology to dispatch your letter. Explore options for sending emails or texts to your future self using programs, websites, or apps. However, this method is more suitable for short-term letters, as the longevity of the platform isn't guaranteed. Popular choices include digital calendars (e.g., Google Calendars), note-taking apps (e.g., Evernote), or letter-writing websites (e.g., FutureMe).
Exemplar Letter and Dos and Don'ts
Guided Letter for Your Future Self
What to Put in a Letter Addressed to Your Future Self
What Not to Include When Writing to Your Future Self
