numbered 4

Assignment 07: 10 Years in the Future

Name: __

Who: If assigned, each person will individually complete and submit this assignment.

What: This assignment will take you through several steps to help ensure that you have a robust understanding of yourself and what is important to you personally.

When: The due date and time are posted in the syllabus. You can submit the assignment early. However, you will not be permitted to submit the assignment late.

Why: Some say that one cannot effectively manage and lead others effectively unless he or she first has a thorough understanding of him or herself.

How: Research, discover, think, re-think, reflect, have fun. Begin your answer immediately after the question. Do not delete the instructions. If you choose, you may change the color of your ink and/or change to italics to help make your answer stand out. Plan to write about 2 pages or so including these instructions and questions.

1. Pick a date in the future, 10 years out. Describe, in detail, the things that you would do and experience, making this an IDEAL day in your future. Plan to write enough detail to take up about 1-2 pages.

Allow yourself to dream into the future about what you would like to be doing, where you might be living, explore relationships. Over time, refer back to this document and update it as your plans and wishes evolve.

Background: There is a concept referred to as visualization, which suggests that by effectively (detailed) thinking about what it is that you would like—envisioning it—that the mind can then take over and help us achieve (actualize) what it is that we envision (want, desire, wish for). If you want to read more about visualization, do a bit of online research searching that term.

I often use visualization in my consulting practice when working with organizations in planning strategy. It is an effective method in helping executives focus on future states both personally and professionally.

1