~6 minute read

Character Introductions:

(Past): Whimsical and hopeful, (Past) often reflects on the excitement and possibilities of previous endeavors, acknowledging both the triumphs and the lessons learned.

(Remember when we thought that was the end of the world?
Turns out, it was just Tuesday.)

{Present}: Grounded in the here & now, {Present} grapples with the immediacy of every concern, trying to balance today’s tasks with a mindful approach.

{Here in the now, each worry feels like a call to arms,
summoning armies of dormant anxieties
as if saying, ‘We ride at dawn!’}

[Future]: Ever the strategist, [Future] looks beyond the fray for sustainable solutions, envisioning a life where current efforts lead to long-term success.

[What if we respond instead of react?
What if we crafted a life where
these anxieties weren’t entangled?]

Self: With wisdom and balance, Self guides the internal council, integrating insights from Past, Present, and Future to make compassionate and effective choices.

We’ve been down these paths.
Let’s map out a better route,
not just for today but for the future we’re aiming to build.

---

If Time = Money, investing in yourself is one of the most valuable endeavors.

In fairness, this phrase alone speaks to a societal narrative of worth
determined by productivity which I mySelf do not adhere to.

Anti-Capitalism rant aside…

How do you choose which skills and experiences to focus on?

What investments are you currently pouring your temporal resources into?

Today, our characters—(Past), {Present}, [Future], and Self—will explore how they identify:

• skills that align with a Favorite Future Self,
• strategies for sustainable effort, and
• reflections on personal identity.

(Remember the time we thought learning to play
the guitar would make us a rock star?
It seemed exciting at the time,
but after a few weeks, that spark of motivation had faded.
What could we accomplish if we got more intentional
about dedicating consistent effort toward what truly excites us?)

{Right now, I’m asking myself,
‘What do I enjoy doing?’
and
‘What do I envision for my future self?’
I feel like this will give me clarity on what will
truly matter to me in the long run.}

[It’s got to be about aligning our current efforts
with our vision for the future.
I’m picturing a life where our skills and passions are in harmony.
What steps can we take today to make that vision a reality?]”

We need to look inward and decide what truly resonates with us.
It’s only partially about the skills we want – it’s also about the life we envision. What daily activities build upon & align with that vision?

The group pauses, each lost in their own thoughts on how identifying these skills can set the foundation for meaningful growth.

(Past) suddenly sits up straight, alight with inspiration on another crucial topic: sustaining effort and avoiding burnout.

(I feel like we can make this happen without derailing our current life. Carving out a fee minutes here and there can’t be too hard, it will just take a true commitment to ourselves! We commit to projects for others all the time. How can we make our efforts sustainable?)

{I’m learning to break down my goals into manageable steps.
It’s building trust in myself to follow through.
Setting realistic goals keeps me motivated and helps avoid burnout.
What’s the smallest amount of progress
that will allow me to fall asleep
proud at the end of each day?}

[Incorporating a sense of play and self-care into our routine is crucial.
How can we build regular breaks and mindfulness practices
into our schedule to reduce and prevent burnout
while actively pursuing our goals?]”

Balance is key.
We need to ensure we’re not overwhelming ourselves.
Maybe the first investment is to build self-care into our journey
to keep our energy levels up,
our motivation fed, and
our momentum building.

With a clearer understanding of what this new endeavor could look like and ample permission to fill their own cup first, the group discussion shifts toward a deeper aspect of personal identity and how their actions shape who they are.

(Every skill we’ve learned has shaped who we are today.
Learning new things has always been a part of our identity.
It’s not just that I journal regularly.
I’m a writer.
A person who has put pen to paper
and witnessed my own thoughts brought to life)

{When I think about how learning new skills shapes my identity,
it helps me see the bigger picture.
Each new practice is a building block of who we are becoming.}

[Taking actions that feel authentic is the main goal.
With that in mind, the whole endeavor feels more hopeful.
If an action aligns with our values and aspirations,
it feels good to embark upon,
while driving us closer to our goals.
What options ahead of us feel true to who we are?]

I like where this is going.
Let’s prioritize skills that matter to us
and approach this journey with kindness and mindfulness.
We’ll first focus on setting time-boundaries for ourselves
and then shift into making sustainable choices
that protect and expand our personal capacity.

---

Investing in yourself means choosing skills that align with your future self, making sustainable efforts, and reflecting on your personal identity.

By taking these steps, you can create a fulfilling and meaningful life that truly reflects who you are and who you aspire to be.

1. Identifying Skills and Experiences that Align with Your Future Self:

• “What do I enjoy doing?”
• “What do I envision my future self continuing?”
• “What realistic goals can I set for myself?”

2. Strategies for Sustainable Effort and Avoiding Burnout:

• “How can I break down my goals into manageable steps?”
• “How can I incorporate mindfulness into my daily routine?”
• “What self-care practices can help me avoid burnout?”

3. Reflections on Personal Identity and Actions:

• “How does learning new skills shape my identity?”
• “What actions feel authentic & true to my self-concept?”

Reflecting on some of the above questions might help us all feel more aligned.

Be gentle with yourself as you proceed. This is the work, and you’re doing it.

Written by Elise Loprieno
Intention Consultant & LMFT
(In collaboration with a Large Language Model)

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