Future to Present

Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve. - Napoleon Hill

Whenever we talk about Goal setting or work on creating a Personal development plan, for ourselves, we talk about a 4-step process, which can be of help.

 

Step 1: Ascertain where you are now.

Step 2: Decide where you want to be, …….. years from now?

Step 3: Think about how you would reach there?

Step 4:  Check for evidence/measurement, to know that you are on the right track?

 

This is conventional wisdom, which works on the principle of moving from “Present to Future” and this method works. So, technically there is nothing wrong about.

 

However, recently one of my friends in the training fraternity, Mr. Chandruvel Murugan talked about a radically different approach to the existing paradigm. Though, what he said sounded a bit irrational, I felt there was some truth behind it, because it has worked for many great achievers, who have a “rags to riches” type of story.

 

He said, “When we focus on ‘Present to Future’ approach, we are often limiting ourselves to the concept of practicalities. A person’s present mental condition doesn’t allow him to dream too big, because the tasks he needs to accomplish to reach there seems difficult. All the barriers towards reaching the desired goal becomes visible to his mind eyes. Many people give up even before starting, because the goals seem overwhelming. This in turn makes them to desire less, because they think that is what is practically possible. But, if we look at the life of some of the great achievers, they have reached far beyond one can imagine. So, how was it possible? It is probably because they practiced a reverse approach, which is ‘Future to Present.”

 

So, what is this “Future to Present” approach? Instead of starting with the present, you start with the future or rather the idealistic future you want to be in. You believe that the current state of your life, doesn’t determine your future. So, you first decide what you want to be, no matter what your current situation is. This too has a 4-step process, but it is much different than the previous method.

Step 1: Dream of what you wish to be.

Step 2:  Believe firmly and unwaveringly, that you can get there.

Step 3: Feel, as if you are already in that idealistic situation.

Step 4: Act on every opportunity to manifest the dream.

 

These types of achievers, seem to have these common qualities.

• They have very big dreams with often gets mocked down, as being crazy, but they aren’t bothered about what others say.

• They have unwavering faith and belief in their dreams.

• They enthusiastically act upon making their dreams come true.

• They are always alert and dynamic, to all the opportunities that come their way.

• They are in constant search for networks, contacts, leads, skills, and resources, that will aid them to reach their goal.

• They do not restrict themselves to one method or strategy, whereas are open to new learnings and take hints from everywhere.

• They are less judgemental about others and more focussed about their own self.

• They don’t waste time and are always busy doing the things that will inch them closer to the goal, every day.

• They don’t curtail themselves, to their comfort zone, rather  are willing to take bold risks.

• They will be willing to travel far and wide, to gain what they need and even migrate to a new place, if the situation demands.

And when they work relentlessly on the pursuit, there is a strong possibility that they will reach there.

 

The ‘Law of Attraction’ also seems to work in favour of those people who have big dreams and believe in it deeply. It is just about having an unwavering belief, in one’s desires which helps people, get what they want from life.

 

While the “Present to Future’ seems to be a more consistent and rational approach, the ‘Future to Present’ is a dynamic and irrational approach, which seems to have worked for few people too. At the end of the day, it is all about growing and so the choice is yours, to decide which approach suits you.

 D. Senthil Kannan,

CEO, PALMS Training & Consulting (P) Ltd., Tuticorin.

Author of "Transformational Thoughts" - A Journey of learning 

Email: senthilkannand@gmail.com