Can You Envision Your Life in 20 Years?

by Karen Elizaga | Posted: August 11th, 2010 | 2 Comments »

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” How many times did you get that question when you were little? As the child of immigrant parents who made their way to the states via the medical industry, I got that a LOT. And interestingly, it’s a question that’s stayed with me. And it’s a question that can help you create the life that you really want.

I find it particularly useful in workshops with clients who are thinking about their next steps. In these workshops, participants visualize a day in their life 10 or 20 years from now. Almost always, they are surprised by what they see, and some actually take action based on the vision! One such man? Let’s call him Todd.

Todd is a personal trainer, the highest quality of person you’ll meet. Smart, good at what he does, and genuinely interested in the well-being of not just his clients, but people in general. Todd has always aspired to be a homeowner, and he has worked hard to do so, but until he walked through this day in his life 20 years from now, he didn’t know what he wanted.

In fact, he thought he wanted something entirely different. What Todd realized when he saw his future self was that he actually wants to live a bi-coastal life, working with clients in New York and perhaps Los Angeles. His original concept of a home, then, wouldn’t fit the bill. He wouldn’t be able to afford it and this very mobile life.

Based on his visualization, Todd shifted from his goal of buying a single-family home to a home which he could both live in and rent out. This way, the rent would cover the carry of the house, and it would afford him the ability to live between California and New York. Brilliant!

Over the last several months, I have observed as Todd scouted houses, did the diligence and tolerated mortgage inefficiencies. I watched as he lost momentum and picked it up again, nevertheless keeping his eye on the prize. And finally. Finally. Todd is a homeowner, with a big, beautiful home that fits the needs of his future (and present!) self.

What do you see yourself doing, being and having done in 20 years? What does your life look like? Who are you spending it with? How do you feel in 20 years? Asking yourself these types of questions will clarify your future, and based on that vision, you can take steps NOW to make it happen.

I am so proud of and truly inspired by Todd for all of this! That he had this realization… that he thought hard about what came next… that he buckled down and took action! Look at this beautiful home! It will house many happy memories for him – and for his tenants! Congratulations, Todd!