The idea of ‘self’ refers to your inner essence, your true nature, and what makes you, who you are: Socrates

It’s simple for students to become engrossed in the chaos of homework, tests, and extracurricular activities. We frequently neglect to gaze farther beyond the local horizon since the present moment requires so much of our focus. Nonetheless, devoting some time to contemplate our prospective selves can prove to be very advantageous in moulding our educational path and individual growth. This article will discuss the value of thinking about your future self and how to apply it to your academic life.
Why Reflect on Your Future Self?
1. Goal Clarity: By thinking back to your future self, you can make sense of your long-term objectives. Having a clear vision of your ideal future self can help you set goals and make a plan to reach them.
2. Motivation: Imagining yourself in the future might serve as a strong source of inspiration. It gives you a clear picture of the benefits of your current hard work and dedication. When faced with obstacles or disappointments, reminding yourself of your goals for the future will inspire you to keep going.
3. Decision Making: Considering your future self can guide your decision-making process. Whether it’s choosing a major, selecting courses, or pursuing extracurricular activities, thinking about how your choices will impact your long-term goals can help you make more informed decisions.
4. Personal Growth: Reflecting on your future self encourages personal growth and self-improvement. It prompts you to identify areas for development and take proactive steps to enhance your skills, knowledge, and abilities.
How to Reflect on Your Future Self:
1. Life Path Mapping: It is a creative and practical toolkit that can help you arrive at your most desirable life destinations, attain your personal goals, and fulfil your most cherished life dream. Mapping our life path equips you with an overview of where you are currently, where you have come from, and where you are heading, allowing you to make necessary or desirable changes, of course to help you redirect or enhance your life’s journey.
2. Time management: It is simply a process of planning things to execute them at a specific time. Good time management gives you extra time to spend better on life. “Time isn’t the main thing. It is the only thing” –Miles Davis
3. Visualization: Take some time to visualize your future self. Close your eyes and imagine where you see yourself in five, ten, or twenty years. What are you doing? What accomplishments have you achieved? How do you feel? Visualization can make your future goals feel more tangible and achievable.
4. Goal Setting: Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals that align with your vision of your future self. Break down your long-term objectives into smaller, actionable steps that you can work towards each day.
5. Disciplined journaling: Keep a journal to track your progress and reflect on your journey towards your future self. Write about your aspirations, challenges, successes, and lessons learned along the way. Regularly revisit your journal entries to stay focused and motivated.
6. Seek Feedback: Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from mentors, teachers, or peers who can provide insights and guidance on your path towards your future self. Constructive feedback can help you course-correct and stay on track towards your goals.
7. Embrace Flexibility: While it’s important to have a clear vision of your future self, it’s also essential to remain flexible and adaptable. Life is unpredictable, and circumstances may change. Be open to adjusting your goals and plans as needed while staying true to your core values and aspirations.
8. The ability to forgive: Forgiving does not merely mean forgetting; it means letting go of the hurt. A wound is never going to heal if you keep touching it. If one really has to heal his/her wounds, he must forgive and forgive it fully. It brings peace of mind and life makes a more meaningful journey focused on our well-thought future. Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) said: “One who suffers an injury and forgives, Allah will raise his status to a higher degree and remove his sins.
Conclusion:
Reflecting on your future self is a valuable practice that can empower you to make meaningful choices and pursue your aspirations with purpose and determination. By envisioning where you want to be and taking deliberate steps to get there, you can chart a course towards a fulfilling and successful academic and personal journey. So take a moment to pause, reflect, and consider the person you aspire to become. Your future self will thank you for it.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the writers’ own experience and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of any publishing house, agency or institute. The authors are writing in their personal capacity.
Hoor-e-Ain is a Class 10th student at R P School and Zahid Bashir is PhD from IIT Roorkee. Feedback at [email protected]

Hoor-e-Ain & Zahid Bashir