Writing a business plan can be a total snooze fest. Yes, planning your business is exciting, and you should be thrilled to clarify every little detail related to it. But, traditional business plan writing is a complete drag.
So let’s chat about a creative and genius idea to level up the process–writing a letter to your future self. Sound a little too woo-woo and not enough *work*? Well, don’t be fooled. This exercise can work some serious magic for your business and your mindset. So, grab your Stanley and pop open your laptop. Let’s explore five reasons why writing a letter to your future self is a brilliant move for your business.
Provides Clear Goals and Vision
Let’s start with the end in mind.
Imagine what your *future you* has already accomplished. Maybe she’s nabbed her first ten clients, finally left her crappy 9 to 5, or celebrated her first five-figure month. Imagining where you want to be in 3 to 5 years brings clarity to your long-term goals.
By imagining your future, you’re refining your roadmap. To accomplish these goals, there’s a need for strategy and a quick task list. If hosting an online membership is your goal, determine the steps to get you there. Before you know it, you’ll have an actionable business plan.
Keeps You Accountable to Your Future Self
Let’s be honest – we’ve all had moments where we’ve lost ourselves—and the day—binging how-to videos on YouTube.
Writing a letter to your future self is like making a pinky promise with the most badass version of you. You’ll do everything in your power to turn your dreams into reality. It’s just the right cocktail of accountability and motivation to keep hustling.
This exercise reinforces commitment, serves as a reminder of your priorities, allows you to measure progress, and boosts motivation. The letter keeps you disciplined, focused, and accountable, ultimately supporting personal and professional growth as you strive for success.
Celebrates Your Every Achievement
It’s a marathon, not a sprint, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give yourself props at every mile marker.
Having a letter to your future self to refer to allows you to see just how far you’ve come. If your future self is a New York Times bestseller, and you’re rereading this letter (in the future) having finished the first outline of your book—BOOM!—major kudos are deserved. You’re on your way to becoming what you’re envisioning.
You should practice recognizing every step toward victory. Your letter is a good gut check to help you do that when you feel like you’re not doing enough fast enough. Recognizing and appreciating small wins, like big ones, boosts your confidence and provides valuable insights for future endeavors.
Reminds You of Your Why
As an entrepreneur, it’s all too easy to get tangled up in the daily grind and lose sight of your why. Think of your why as your stake in the ground—it’s the mark you want to leave behind. It’s your legacy.
In the same way, having a letter to your future self acknowledges your little wins, it also keeps you focused on the big picture. It keeps your feet on the ground. Remembering your why will help you stay focused on the ultimate outcome, navigate change and make better decisions.
Fosters Self-Awareness
A recent Stanford study said that a great leader’s number one characteristic is being self-aware. Penning a letter to your future self encourages introspection and self-awareness, two vital ingredients for personal and professional growth.
By sizing up your strengths and weaknesses, you can pinpoint areas where you need to step up, learn, or seek support. This self-reflection will ultimately make you a stronger, more effective business owner, ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead.
Reflecting on your experiences and emotions while writing your letter can help you become more in tune with your feelings, as well as the feelings of others. Being more empathetic is invaluable in building strong relationships, managing stress, and navigating the business’s complexities.
A Finished Plan
Writing a letter to your future self is a reflective exercise that boosts growth, keeps your perspective in check, and sets the stage for a brighter tomorrow. Think of it as a fun and creative way to map out a finished plan for your business.
