In our fast-paced, goal-driven world, we often hear that happiness lies in the journey, not the destination. But what if the journey and the destination are deeply intertwined? According to economist and entrepreneur Raoul Pal, happiness, or rather the absence of it, stems from a profound disconnect between our present selves and the future selves we aspire to become.
Pal suggests that we experience unhappiness when the person we are today doesn’t align with the person we imagined we would become. This misalignment creates a sense of disappointment, leading to frustration, regret, and a sense of being “stuck.” But the good news is that this doesn’t have to be a permanent state. By consciously aligning our present actions with our future aspirations, we can close that gap and increase our chances of true happiness.
Here’s a closer look at this concept and some practical ways to ensure you’re moving toward the future self you envision.
1. Define a Clear Vision of Your Future Self
The first step in meeting your future self is knowing who that person is. This involves introspection and creating a clear, detailed picture of what you want in the future—who you want to be, what you want to accomplish, and how you want to live. Without this vision, you’re like a ship without a compass, susceptible to external influences rather than charting your own path.
Action Step: Take time to visualize your future self. Where do you see yourself in five, ten, or even twenty years? Write down your goals and values, and create a vision board if that helps you bring these ideas to life.
2. Set Actionable, Meaningful Goals
Once you have a clear vision, break it down into actionable goals that you can work toward. These goals should bring you closer to your ideal future self while being achievable in the present. Big dreams are inspiring, but they can also be overwhelming. By setting smaller, manageable steps, you create a roadmap that helps you stay on course.
Action Step: Set both long-term and short-term goals that align with your future vision. Each day or week, identify small actions you can take to get closer to those goals, whether it’s learning a new skill, networking, or developing a habit.
3. Embrace Growth and Self-Improvement
A core part of happiness is growth, as we naturally feel more fulfilled by expanding our knowledge, skills, and abilities.The journey to becoming your future self isn’t just about reaching a static goal but about evolving in a way that aligns with your aspirations.
Action Step: Commit to lifelong learning, whether that’s reading, taking courses, or simply being open to new experiences. Regularly challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone, as this fosters both growth and confidence.
4. Practice Self-Compassion and Patience
One reason people may feel unhappy with their progress is that they’re hard on themselves when things don’t go as planned. This self-criticism can lead to a negative cycle, pulling you further away from your future self. Instead, treat yourself with the same kindness and encouragement you’d offer to a friend.
Action Step:
1. Develop a habit of self-reflection and positive self-talk.
2. Acknowledge our progress, even if it feels small, and remember that every step counts.
3. If you fall short, focus on learning from the experience rather than dwelling on mistakes.
5. Stay Flexible and Open to Change
Sometimes, the person you aspire to be may evolve over time. As you grow and experience life, your values, goals, and priorities may shift. Staying flexible and open to change allows you to adapt without losing sight of your larger aspirations.
Action Step: Revisit your goals and vision periodically to ensure they still resonate with you. Life is fluid, and what matters most is that you stay true to the core of who you are, even if the specifics of your vision shift along the way.
6. Surround Yourself With Supportive People
We are profoundly influenced by the people around us. By surrounding yourself with those who encourage growth and share similar values, you increase your motivation to stay aligned with your future vision.
Action Step: Build a network of supportive, like-minded individuals who inspire and challenge you. Seek mentors, join communities, and foster relationships with those who push you toward your best self.
7. Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others
One of the biggest traps that can hinder your journey to meeting your future self is the habit of comparing yourself to others. As the saying goes, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” When we constantly measure our progress or worth against others, we lose focus on our own unique path and set ourselves up for disappointment. Everyone’s journey is different, and no one else has your exact combination of experiences, strengths, and goals.
I know this from personal experience. When I first started out as an entrepreneur, I found myself constantly comparing my progress to others. I’d look at people who were on “page fifty-two” of their journey, while I was still on “page one,” and it often left me feeling inadequate and frustrated. Instead of focusing on my own path and trusting my growth, I let these comparisons set me back. It took time to realize that their success didn’t diminish mine. Every entrepreneur has a unique timeline, and the only person worth comparing myself to was the person I was yesterday.
Comparison often creates a cycle of self-doubt and dissatisfaction, making it harder to appreciate our progress and ultimately derailing our own growth. Remember, your future self isn’t someone else’s version of success—it’s a unique expression of your values, dreams, and purpose.
Action Steps:
1. When you catch yourself comparing, redirect that energy toward gratitude for what you have and focus on how far you’ve come.
2. Reflect on your unique journey and set goals that align with your personal growth, rather than external standards.
3. Practice self-affirmations and celebrate your milestones, however small, to reinforce the positive impact of focusing solely on your own path.
8. Incorporate the Power 9 Exercise to Stay Focused
To keep yourself aligned with your goals and centered on your own journey, try incorporating the “Power 9” strategy each day. This daily exercise, which has become one of my personal go-tos, includes three things you’re grateful for, three things you’re excited about, and three things you’re manifesting. By engaging in this practice, you’re not only expressing gratitude and excitement but also visualizing what you want to achieve.
This exercise can act as a powerful grounding tool, helping you shift your focus away from others’ achievements and onto what truly matters to you. It strengthens your connection with your vision, keeps your energy positive, and aligns your actions with what you want to manifest.
Action Step: Try the Power 9 for a week. Each morning, write down three things you’re grateful for, three things you’re excited about, and three things you’re manifesting. Notice how this regular reflection shapes your mindset, keeping you focused on your growth and the future you envision.
9. Celebrate Small Wins and Reflect on Progress
Finally, the journey to meeting your future self is a marathon, not a sprint. Along the way, it’s essential to celebrate small wins and reflect on your progress. Regularly assessing how far you’ve come can bring a sense of accomplishment and keep you motivated. Action Step: Take time each month or year to look back and acknowledge your achievements. Reflect on the lessons you’ve learned and the ways in which you’ve grown. Recognizing progress, however gradual, is key to staying happy and focused on your path.
Happiness isn’t a distant finish line or an idealized version of life. It’s the feeling of living in alignment with the person we want to become. When our actions today bring us closer to our future aspirations, we foster a sense of fulfillment and purpose that transcends fleeting moments. By following these steps, you can start building a life that not only meets but merges the best version of yourself, bringing you closer to lasting happiness.
So, who do you want to be—and what can you do today to meet that person tomorrow?
