STOP OBSESSING ABOUT THE FUTURE: Start Remembering It Instead

Did you know that 86% of leaders report that information overload has made their decision-making more complicated and less confident? While most struggle with an abundance of data, the real challenge is how they approach reflection. Most people reflect on the past, but the most effective leaders have learned to "remember the future."

This concept might jar your brain initially, but it's a powerful tool for making better decisions today. When you stand in the future and look back, obstacles that once seemed insurmountable suddenly appear small and insignificant.

The Problem with Projecting from Today

We're wired to think linearly—past, present, and unknowable future. When making decisions, we project forward from our current position, focusing on immediate tasks and obstacles. This approach limits us to what we know we can accomplish rather than pushing us beyond our perceived capabilities.

This linear thinking traps us in survival mode. We focus on checking boxes rather than becoming the person we ultimately want to be. I experience this tension daily as a father of two young boys—that pull between handling immediate needs and focusing on the kind of father I want to become.

Almost every night, I think about how precious this time is and how I can't get it back. Those moments remind me to focus on who I ultimately want to be as a father, not just the daily tasks of keeping my kids safe and healthy.

The Power of "Remembering" the Future

True reflection places you at the end of your journey, looking backward. From this vantage point, today's seemingly massive obstacles appear small retrospectively. This perspective eliminates the tendency to get caught in details that won't matter in the long run.

Our primitive wiring makes it difficult to step out of the present moment. We're still programmed to watch for tigers outside the cave—but that's not our world anymore. By consciously shifting your perspective, you can overcome this biological limitation and focus on what truly matters, not just what seems urgent.

Focus on What You Can Control

It is easy to get wrapped up in technological trends, climate change, or other macro-level drivers. While important, these factors are largely outside one's immediate control. Obsessing over them creates stress without actionable outcomes.

What you can control is who you ultimately want to be. You don't need to know the exact future context to make decisions aligned with your values and vision.

By remembering the future, you hone in on what's truly important rather than getting distracted by what's merely urgent.

---

TAKE Action 

This approach clarifies your priorities and helps you make decisions that align with your long-term vision, not just your short-term needs.

Ask yourself:

• What obstacles am I magnifying today that will seem insignificant in hindsight?

• Am I focusing on tasks (what I need to do) or identity (who I want to become)?

• What decisions can I make today that align with my future self?

Stop projecting from today's limitations and start remembering the future you want to create. This shift in perspective will transform how you make decisions and where you focus your energy.

---

Here's How I Can Help You Right Now:

Explore One-to-One Coaching: 

Work directly with Jared to redefine your purpose, clarify your contribution, and redeploy your resources for maximum impact. Tailored for senior executives and elite leaders, this coaching experience equips you to navigate critical transitions and secure your legacy. - Get Started Here. 

Book a Custom Foresight Workshop for Your Team: 

Equip your team with actionable tools to uncover emerging trends, anticipate disruption, and create a future-proof strategy. NU FUTURIST’s Executive Foresight workshops are tailored to your organization’s unique challenges and designed to deliver immediate results. - Contact Us.

Enroll in The Foresight Academy: 

Learn the same strategic foresight skills that innovators, disruptors, and change-makers use to shape the future on their terms. Earn your Certificate in Strategic Foresight from the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee while gaining tools to anticipate change and lead with confidence. - Join the Program.

Get Your Free Guide for Uncovering Your Next Big Move: 

Discover practical steps to envision your next big move and execute it with clarity. This guide is designed for high-performing leaders ready to transition into a meaningful second act without losing their sense of purpose or identity. - Your Future On Your Terms.