If You Knew Then What You Know Now

If You Knew Then What You Know Now

Mary McGuire·8 October 2024·3 min read

Let me ask you something: Three years ago, if you pictured your future—where you’d be, what job you’d have, who you’d be with—how well would it match where you are today?

You might be thinking, “The past is the past, and it hardly matters now.” But here’s the thing: every thought, action, and decision you made in the past has led you to this exact moment. Whether consciously or not, your past choices shaped your current reality.

So, how do you take control of your future and create the life you want? The answer lies in intentionality—being deliberate in envisioning and shaping your future goals. High performers, athletes, and creatives often use a powerful tool called visualisation to picture their future success and then work towards it. The good news? This isn’t a practice reserved for elite individuals; it’s a technique anyone can use to turn their aspirations into reality.

In fact, research shows that visualisation is even more effective than goal-setting alone when it comes to achieving success.

Visualisation is about mentally rehearsing a future state before it happens. You can apply it to virtually any area of your life—whether it’s landing your dream job, finding the perfect home, or building meaningful relationships. All you need is a quiet space, a few minutes of your time, and a vivid imagination.

What is Visualisation, and How Can It Help You?

So, let me ask you again: where would you like to be three years from now? What kind of work would you be doing? Who would you be collaborating with, and how would you feel waking up every morning?

Even a brief moment spent reflecting on these questions can bring surprisingly clear insights about your desires and ambitions.

As Napoleon Hill famously said, “What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”

Think and Grow Rich, 1937

Your success begins with your ability to conceive a vision of your future and truly believe in it.

Getting Started: A Simple Career Visualization Exercise

If you’re new to visualization, don’t worry—here’s an easy exercise to get you started. This week, dedicate some quiet time to visualizing your ideal future. Close your eyes and picture yourself three years from now:

  • What does your workspace look like?
  • What kind of work are you doing?
  • Who are the people around you?
  • How do you feel about the impact you’re making?

As you practice this exercise, let your imagination take the lead. The clearer your vision, the easier it will be to work towards it. I have a career visualisation exercise that can help you to clarify your ideal future. Access it here.

Turning Your Vision into a Plan

Of course, visualizing is just the first step. To turn those dreams into a reality, you’ll need a solid plan to guide you. If you’re looking for help in crafting a one-page vision plan that sets you on the path to career success, I offer a fantastic half-day workshop designed to do just that.

If you’d like to know more contact me or book some time here, and let’s explore how I can help you create your exciting future.