As you’re getting ready to make big decisions about your future—like what to study and what career to choose—one thing is key: envisioning your future. When you can see where you want to be, it makes choosing the right path a lot easier. In this post, we’re going to talk about how to get a clear picture of your future and make decisions that will help you get there.

What Does "Envisioning Your Future" Mean?

Envisioning your future is all about imagining where you want to be in 5, 10, or even 20 years. It’s about thinking of the life you want to create and the career that will make you feel fulfilled. It's not just about making money; it's about finding a life that brings you joy and purpose. As the famous author and motivational speaker Tony Robbins once said, “The only limit to your impact is your imagination and commitment.”

How to Start Envisioning Your Future: The Big Questions

Start by asking yourself some important questions:

1. "If I knew I could not fail, what would I do?"

   • This question helps you break free from self-doubt and think about your dreams without limits. What would you do if fear wasn’t a factor? Would you start your own business? Work in a creative field? The answer is a big clue to what excites you. As Steve Jobs famously said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

2. "Where will I be in 10 years?"

   • Close your eyes and picture your life. Where are you living? What does your job look like? What impact do you want to make in the world? By visualizing your future, you can better understand what steps you need to take today to get there. “The best way to predict your future is to create it,” said Abraham Lincoln, a quote that rings true for everyone mapping out their future.

Break It Down into Achievable Steps

Once you’ve imagined your ideal future, the next step is breaking it down into smaller, achievable steps. Here’s how:

1. Set Clear Goals: Your future vision can feel overwhelming, but when you set clear, manageable goals, it becomes much easier to move forward. Break down your long-term goals into smaller, short-term ones. For example, if you want to be an entrepreneur, start by learning the basics of business through online courses or internships. “A goal without a plan is just a wish,” said Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Turning your wishes into structured goals can make all the difference.

2. Create a Plan: Now that you’ve broken down your goals, make a plan. What steps will you take this year, next year, and beyond? Maybe it’s exploring different college programs, getting involved in side projects, or networking with professionals in your field. According to career expert Jim Rohn, “Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day.” Small, consistent efforts will lead you to your destination.

3. Stay Flexible: Life doesn’t always go according to plan—and that’s okay! It’s important to stay open to new opportunities that may come your way. You might discover new interests or talents as you explore different fields, and that’s all part of the journey. “The only thing that is constant is change,” as the philosopher Heraclitus reminds us.

Stay Motivated by Your Vision

Remember, the process of envisioning your future isn’t a one-time thing. It’s something you can revisit as you grow. As you make progress, you might tweak your vision or adjust your goals. The key is to stay motivated by the bigger picture. Every step you take brings you closer to the life you want to create. According to leadership expert John C. Maxwell, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” By staying true to your vision, you'll lead yourself toward the life you desire.

Takeaway: It’s Your Future, Your Vision

The first step to building the future you want is getting clear on what you really want. Ask yourself those big questions, make a plan, and take action. Don’t be afraid to dream big and take risks. The road ahead may not always be easy, but it will be worth it if you keep your eyes on the prize.

So, where do you see yourself in 10 years? Let that vision be your guide as you take steps toward making it a reality.

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky. Take the shot. Your future is waiting.

Author of the blog post:

Martin Vítek, Nadační fond vzdělávání a podnikání