“A man who does not plan long ahead will find trouble at his door.”
– Confucius
Planning ahead is essential for achieving long-term goals and shaping the future we desire. Life, in many ways, is about playing the long game. Let’s consider an example: if at 27, I decide to play football at an elite level, I can’t just start then and expect to succeed. The right time to start would have been much earlier, around 12-14 years old. By doing the drills, training the body, and consistently working towards the goal, I would be prepared to play at an elite level by 27.
I do think the age group from 25 to 35 is one of the most challenging times of our lives. There’s so much to do! Everyone is doing their own set of cool things and we just get lost in deciding what we really want to do. I think maybe the above questions can help to understand what I really want to do and can help me untangle the age group by focusing on what I want instead of focusing on what others want. And hey, it’s okay if we mess things up because that’s just how life is!
For instance, if I want to be fit and active in my 50s, I need to adopt those habits in my 20s or early 30s. Trying to start new major habits in my 50s will be challenging because my lifestyle will be shaped by how I lived in my earlier years. It’s surprising, but it makes a lot of sense.
Lets take another example. If I want to be wealthy by 45, I need to start saving and making smart investments by at least from when i am 25. I get that there will always be outliers, but i think this logic can be extended for a lot of things. This is what I call the “20-year rule.“
Think of life like pottery. First, we mold the clay, shaping it carefully. Then, we slowly heat and refine it, making minor adjustments. As the clay hardens, it becomes more difficult to change. Similarly, life becomes more rigid as we age. We can still add new aspects or make changes, but it’s not as easy as shaping the initial mold.
Why did this thought come to me? Maybe I’m getting older, or perhaps I want to shape my life for the future. Or maybe I’m just bored. Regardless, it’s a thought worth considering.
Here are some important questions to ask myself right now (and it’s perfectly fine not to have the answers yet):
- How do I visualize my life in my late 40s?
- What is my definition of success? How can I ensure I feel successful and content?
- What are five things that make me who I am?
These are essential reflections for shaping our futures.
For more reflections and insights on personal growth, lifestyle, and travel, visit my blog at In Between Dreams.
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