Perhaps one of the most impactful books that I’ve read is “Future Diary” by Mark Victor Hansen. I imagine that the timing of my reading it – shortly before college graduation – coupled with the big question, “What are you going to do with your life?” emphasized its impact. The book starts with a simple question – “What do you wish your obituary to say?” And then, instead of letting someone write it post-mortem for you, Hansen compels us to set meaningful goals for our life. Goals that impact you and the people around you!
The book centers around the “big chapters” of your life- your family, your education, your spiritual life and your career. What do you want to do? Who do you want to do it with? It also delves into the many ways you can impact your environment. What things really mattered to you? The arts? History? Community? Were you a giver? If so, who and how did you help?
In 1984, these questions were an odd concept, but were novel enough that I spent time pondering them. And what I realized is that by envisioning your future – you can shape it. It’s called intentionality. So, this month’s exercise is easy – finish these sentences – from the perspective of what you’d like said about you when you are gone. What does your story say? Is it easy? Not really. Valuable? Incredibly.
To my family, I was …
To my friends, I was …
When I walked into a crowded room, people …
My career highlight was …
I made my community better by …
We all make a difference to this world. And we all have the choice to make our sphere of influence a better place. Set an intention – then act on it! What can you do to complete your future diary?