Have you ever wished you could get a sneak peek into your future? Maybe just a little advice or a reassuring pat on the back from someone who’s already walked your path? Well, recently, I tried something different: I had a conversation with my future self. It might sound a bit crazy, but stick with me—it’s an eye-opening into self-awareness.

If you are like me, you can have many thoughts circling around in your head. You know the kind: endless questions, doubts, and a nagging feeling that you’re not doing enough. So, I decided to try something different. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and imagined sitting across from my future self, five years down the line.

Let me recap our conversation and the lessons learned.

Lesson 1: Stop Stressing About the Timeline

The first thing My Future Self said? “Relax. You’re not behind.”

Honestly, there are times I’ve been feeling like life is this giant ticking clock, and I’m late or haven’t done enough. My Future Self leaned in with a knowing smile and said, “You’re not supposed to have it all figured out right now. Things will unfold in ways you can’t predict, and rushing won’t make it happen any faster.”

It’s a gentle reminder that growth takes time and that life isn’t a race. The things I’m stressing about today might not even matter next month, let alone in five years. This reminded me that allowing things to progress organically, rather than micromanaging and trying to control every detail, yields superior results.

Lesson 2: Trust Yourself More

Next, My Future Self provided me with some self awareness inspiration: “You’re way more capable than you give yourself credit for.”

Deep down I knew she was right. I can second-guess myself, doubting whether I’m making the right choices, or if I can even achieve my goals. But my future self reminded me of all the hurdles I’ve cleared, proving that I could overcome challenges I believed were impossible.

“You’ll handle what’s ahead just like you’ve handled what’s behind,” she said. “Stop doubting and start trusting yourself. You’ve got this.”

Lesson 3: Embrace the Detours

“Not everything will go according to plan,” My  admitted, “but that’s where the magic happens.”

Some detours were challenging, but many led to new opportunities, personal growth, and experiences I never could’ve planned for. And these are some of my favorite experiences, like writing my first book.

My advice? When something doesn’t go the way you hoped, don’t waste time resisting it. All this will do is create stress and frustration. Instead, ask yourself what this detour might be teaching you. Sometimes the best parts of life come from the things you don’t see coming.

Lesson 4: Celebrate Small Wins

Look at the little victories, not just the milestones. This helps with daily self-awareness of what you are presently accomplishing. “The small steps you’re taking right now are the building blocks of the big picture.”

Celebrate the tiny moments, like, sending the email or finishing a task you’ve been putting off. Or showing up for a workout, saying no to something you don’t have time for, or even just getting out of bed on a tough day. “These little wins add up, so don’t underestimate them.”

Lesson 5: Be Kinder to Yourself

Finally, My Future Self got serious. “Stop being so hard on yourself,” she said. “You’re doing the best you can.”

She reminded me that growth isn’t always linear. There will always be setbacks, mistakes, and days when it feels like I’m moving backward. And that’s okay. What matters is that I keep showing up for myself, even when it’s hard.

“Treat yourself like you would a friend,” she said. “You wouldn’t talk to them the way you sometimes talk to yourself, right?” So become more self aware and your own best friend forever.

Key Takeaways

• You are not behind and right where you are supposed to be.
• You are capable so trust yourself.
• Embrace the detours because that is where lessons can be learned and magic resides.
• Celebrate the small wins because it matters.
• Be kind to yourself and become your own BFF.

By the end of our conversation, I felt lighter, better. Talking to my future self wasn’t about predicting exactly what’s ahead—it was about gaining perspective and reminding myself that I’m on the right path, even when it doesn’t feel like it. Remember, you are right where you are supposed to be.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure, I recommend having a chat with your future self to increase your self-awareness. Close your eyes, imagine your future self sitting across from you, and ask what they’d want you to know. You might just be surprised by the wisdom they have to share. You got this!

For more inspiration, click here: https://lynnlokpayne.com/8-tips-to-increase-and-build-strong-self-worth/