"One Question to Ask Yourself to Know Your Future: Finding Your Values and Making Time for Them"

"One Question to Ask Yourself to Know Your Future: Finding Your Values and Making Time for Them"

The German writer and philosopher Goethe believed that he could predict someone's future based on a simple fact: how they spent their time. He stated, "If I know how you spend your time, then I know what might become of you." This idea highlights the importance of aligning our actions with our desired future. To do so, we must first identify our values, the characteristics we want to embody. By listing our values and the activities that help us live out those values, we can uncover any gaps between our current actions and our future aspirations.

Unfortunately, many people fail to make time for their values. They get caught up in the busyness of life and neglect the things that truly matter to them. However, if we want our ideal future to become a reality, we must take control of our time and attention. One effective technique for doing so is timeboxing, a well-studied time and attention management strategy.

Timeboxing involves reserving specific periods in our calendar for traction, which are the activities we have planned in advance to live out our values. By allocating dedicated time for these activities, we ensure that they receive the attention they deserve. This approach not only helps us prioritize our values but also prevents us from getting overwhelmed by other demands on our time.

Interestingly, the concept of embracing the unknown and abstract is also relevant to the creative process. Japanese author Mori Hiroshi once said, "To be an artist is to hold onto something that you don't understand." In order to create meaningful art, we must have something within us that moves us deeply but eludes verbal expression. This "unknowable" element is not inherently present within us; it is something we acquire through external stimuli.

When we interpret and internalize these stimuli, they become the abstract and nameless emotions or sensations that artists strive to capture and convey. Artistic creation is, in essence, the act of transforming these abstract elements into tangible forms. It is through this process of "making" or "creating" that the abstract becomes concrete.

In both personal development and artistic creation, the journey begins with something abstract, something that cannot be fully comprehended or put into words. This abstract element serves as the primary motivation for growth and creative expression. By embracing the unknown and allowing it to shape our experiences, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and insights.

In conclusion, understanding our future and aligning our actions with our desired outcomes requires us to identify our values and make time for them. By using techniques like timeboxing, we can prioritize the activities that bring us closer to our ideal future. Additionally, embracing the unknown and abstract can fuel our personal growth and artistic endeavors. By recognizing the value of these intangible elements, we can tap into new sources of inspiration and creativity.

Actionable Advice:

1. Reflect on your values: Take some time to identify the values that are most important to you. What characteristics do you want to embody? By understanding your values, you can better align your actions with your desired future.

2. Create a timeboxing schedule: Set aside dedicated time in your calendar for the activities that align with your values. Prioritize these activities and ensure that they receive the attention they deserve. By making time for what matters most, you can move closer to your ideal future.

3. Embrace the unknown: Allow yourself to explore and embrace the abstract and nameless elements within you. These intangible aspects can serve as a wellspring of inspiration and creativity. By being open to the unknown, you can discover new insights and possibilities in your personal growth and artistic pursuits.