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- 001 | future self journaling
001 | future self journaling
Show up for yourself even though it might feel kinda hard right now
Lucinda Nixon Elder
February 06, 2025 • Reading Time: 5 minutes
01 | A THOUGHT
Can we all agree that January was sooo much? Or was it just me? If you haven’t felt excited or even motivated to start planning out your year, I want you to know that it’s okay to take your time.
The world has so much weight right now, so I know it might feel challenging to do the things. On the other hand, I’d also encourage you to protect your energy and find joy & peace even in the chaos. (but not in a way that adds extra pressure, ya know?)
I’m not sure if it was part of the January blues, but I’ve been feeling quite disconnected from myself and what I want to do this year.
Because of that, during my goal planning, I really wanted to focus on how I want to feel, how I show up for others, and who I want to become by the end of the year.
I find that looking toward the future can help me reverse plan to the present - especially when feeling stuck.
In this issue, I wanted to dive into my process of defining your future self.
02 | A TIP
When I think about the past times I’ve done this “future self” journaling, many of the things I wrote down came true.
I’d describe this type of journaling as writing out your dream life to set yourself up for living it. It’s all about writing as if you already are the person you want to become.
Why do I think this works? Because the more you connect with your future self, the easier it is to make choices in alignment with where you want to be.
Some benefits I’ve noticed from journaling about my future self:
Gaining clarity & less second-guessing, because you’ll get clearer about what matters to you, where you are now, and who you’re becoming.
Easier decision-making, because you’ll start making choices for your future self today.
Excitement and motivation about working towards goals that align with your future self.
I’m sharing some prompts below for how you can do this exercise, too!
03 | A PROMPT
Prompt 1:
I am a person who…
Write a list of statements starting with “I am a person who…” and describe how you will, live, work, and show up in the world. Include details about your mindset, lifestyle, career, habits, qualities you will embody, relationships, and any other areas that matter to you. (ex. I am a person who has a thriving business, moves with confidence, travels often, etc.).
Prompt 2:
“Today is December 31, 2025, and I feel… I see… I am… I am doing… I have…”
I feel…
Describe your emotions as you reflect on the past year (in present tense). Are you feeling proud, accomplished, peaceful, excited, free, confident? What experiences or milestones contributed to these emotions?
I see…
Write out a crystal clear picture of your surroundings. Where are you? What does your environment look like? Who is with you? Get specific!
I am…
Who have you become? What qualities define you now? How do you move through the world? How do you handle challenges, relationships, and opportunities differently than before?
I am doing…
What are you actively engaged in? What routines, habits, or daily actions support this version of yourself? What projects, hobbies, or passions are you pursuing?
I have…
What have you achieved, built, or gained over the past year? This could be personal growth, financial wins, meaningful relationships, career accomplishments, or a new sense of balance in life.
Want to go further with your journaling? Check out the Dream Life Journal in Notion.
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