I have mixed feelings about planning for the future. One part of me is so thrilled for the future that I can barely wait and can’t stop dreaming about it. The other part of me is like, “Eh. That sounds boring. What will be will be.”
So, to soothe both sides of me, I make up fun ways to plan for the future! Daydreaming is the primary one – sensible daydreaming, of course – but there are other ways.
And if you hate planning or you struggle to plan in a realistic way, these might help you! Or else it’ll just be a post to see how the inside of Kell’s silly brain works. π
3 Fun Ways to Plan for the Future
#1: Create an “about” page for the future.
This works especially well for me since I might actually use have an “about/bio” page that looks similar. I put together an “about me” page in a document, including pictures (lol) and other formatting (as well as links to imaginary websites and articles).
I wrote mine as if I was a thirty-five-year-old woman with a family and four dogs (don’t question it). But y’know. It was fun.
I talk about my accomplishments, what I’ve written, what I’ve done, how my writing life is going, and even some personal goals. It’s very much “all the good stuff,” but it’s still fun.
(Also, I wasn’t sure whether to do alternate ones for married/not married, so I did a married one because that was actually the less ambitious one – don’t ask – so yeahhh. Dream low? You won’t be disappointed? π But really, I think I would like to get married. I just reallllyyyΒ don’t want to force it!)
#2: Write a letter to future you – and be specific.
I haven’t quite finished mine, nor do I intend to save it when I do, but something along the lines of:
Hi Kell,
When you read this you should be thirty-five. I hope you have a horse or at least ride one very often. If not, I consider you a failure as a person. Just give up. You’re worthless.
I hope you were also able to get traditionally published – or if not, that you’ve decided it wasn’t your dream. It might be time to stop. You’ve been trying for almost twenty years. I know other tried longer, but indie publishing is already going great back in 2019, and I bet you’ll do better putting all your energy into that.
I hope you’re done with the Rubyverse. If you’re not, you’ve been lazy.
Et cetera, et cetera.
Okay, not exactly that, but you know. Along those lines. Basically, be planning. You don’t even have to do … what is it? Seventeen years? You could do next year. Or next month!
#3: Draw a diagram/rough timeline of your life.
Okay, I think drawing little swirling things with bubbles and all is fun. Just me? A’right.
Really, though, this is a really awesome way to plan! I am a lot less artistic, but this is a rough one I did:
[NOTE: images were accidentally deleted, but you get what I mean.)
It’s a free form thing that lets my mind really explore. And that’s good, because sometimes it can be hard for me to visualize. π And visualizing is basically the only way I see things, soooo that doesn’t work. π
Random Updates
Now we’re done with that rather unorganized “plan for the future” post, let’s talk about some random stuff. In a very unorganized way. *le sigh* What will I do with myself?
I asked for prayers in last Wednesday’s post. I’m doing better now. I actually feel … really light. For the first time in a long time. And that’s good. I’m writing this on Sunday evening, so it’s probably just leftover weekend awesome.
I got to see someone who means a lot to me after a long time, and I swear that’s the best feeling in the world. Just even hearing someone’s voice can make all the difference. I saw a lot of people I care about Saturday, actually. It was the perfect storm to make me feel great!
Teasing Bailey and just being friends and chilling is the best. I swear, I feel most like myself when I’m jokingly making fun of her. Which sounds cruel, but it’s just … how our friendship works. (She does the same to me.)
I’ve been listening to the soundtracks of The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, and The Music Man. They are excellent.
I finished Flowers in Her Heart! Yay! Also, I’m at 34k-ish for the month. Hoorah!
I’m probably going to write a book called Lower than the Angels at some point. Because I has ideas.
I’ve actually had two WWII plot bunnies lately. Oy vey.
I’m working on the blog posts I said I was going to put out but haven’t yet. Oops. They’re coming, though! I promise!
It’s eleven, and I’m heading out! Adios, mi amigas. π Buenas noches!
TTFN!
~Kellyn Roth~
p.s.
Do you believe in planning for the future? How do you make plans – and how detailed are they? Do you have any idea where you’ll be in a year? Five years? Ten years? (This is a question I ask all my writing students, lol.)
19 Responses
It will be interesting for thirty-five-year-old Kellyn to reread her blog. π
Fun post! Iβd never thought of making a timeline or a bio for a future self, though Iβve heard of/considered/sort of done letters. A timeline sounds like a fun way to make goals and think ahead.
Indeed! I probably won’t actually have a horse. π But hey, I can dream, right? π
1.) The letters KILLED MEEEE. Bestest.
2.) You cut out in Spanish and I immediately thought of the Jim/Michael scene and Michael smiles and walks off…. x’D
Ahahahaha! π I’ve been learning Spanish … though I haven’t really taken any of it in. π
I do actually know what I plan to be doing in a year and five years…ten, weβll have to see. One of my friends had everyone write guesses of where sheβd be in five years and sealed them up to read on that birthday and I thought that was a great idea! Mostly, I ramble in a journal. XD I have since I was 10 and it works…and itβs hilarious to read back on.
And YES! Picturing you re-reading this in 17 years…hi older Kellyn. XD How did it all work out? Were we all crazy way back when? And I hope for your sake you have a horse because younger Kell is still roasting you!!
Haha! I wrote a journal for a while but I was no good at it. I’m just not creative enough and I got bored! π But yeah, maybe it would be more fun now that I have more thoughts (I think). π
Haha! That’ll be hilarious. Can’t wait until I do!
I’ve tried to write to my future self, but usually I find the letter 2 months later and say “Forget this.” Haha! But in all seriousness, I hope that’s the letter you read when you’re 35.
HAHA! We should find a way to lock them until then … maybe I should bury it with a treasure map or something. π
These are all great tips! Especially #2 LOL xD Let’s see if I have the patience to wait that long
Haha, right!? I’m totally not gonna be patient.
These are all great ideas! That letter… XD Speaking to thirty-five-year-old Kell, do you have names for these four doggies?
I DO! Their names are Cap, Piper, Callie, and Nick. π And I named my future nieces and nephews, too. You know. Because my little brothers need help. π
Aw, how cute! What kind of dog are they?
Oh, of course. Iβm sure your brothers are very grateful for your assistance. π
Three border collies and Cap is an English mastiff. *big innocent grin* π
LOLLL! Yeahhhh… I’m sure.
Wow. This was a really good post!! I’m definitely a planner myself. xD You don’t want to know the bajillion plans I have for the future. I’m super organized. So everything works “just so”. I’m awfully messed up. π
Haha…the letter to yourself…with the part about the horse! xD That’s my life. If I don’t interact with a horse at least ONCE in a day…my life is worthless. (Not really, but ya get my meaning π )
~ Lily Cat (Boots) | lilycatscountrygirlconfessions.blogspot.com
I’m usually not a planner … but hey, I can try! π Haha! Doesn’t sound like you’re messed up.
YES! Must have horses. Though sadly we don’t have any within reach.
These seem like such fun ideas! I’ll have to try them. π
Haha! Let me know if you do and if they work!
I will!