Your power lies in the long run. What if today you only eat junk food, binge on screen time, and don’t connect with another human being? How will this impact your life 5 or 10 years down the road? Probably not at all. One day’s activities make little difference. 

(Unless of course you are deliberately skipping your own wedding or some other pivotal event. Then… well, that is a whole movie plot.)  

What will make a difference is what you do day after day. Your habits or regular practices can build muscles, neural networks, and relationships. Time changes all things. By focusing on your locus of control, you can choose what gets prioritized in your life.  Health and mental health can be strengthened and shored up. Healing can occur. Building a business, getting an education, and developing relationships take time. Your power lies in the choices you make about your day-to-day practices, impacting you months and possibly years later. One day makes little difference. It is the overall trend of your time spent that matters.  How would your future self like you to spend your time? 

Zone in on your locus of control. We would all like more peace, less pollution, and more rational politicians. None of that is in your locus of control. Using our tool – Your Locus of Control – notice where your power lies. Some of your power is literally in your hands. Are you typing, creating, building, or caring for someone? Your first layer of control is what you do most days. The care and feeding of your body will greatly impact you as you get older. I am now over the age of 60, totally in the “use it or lose it” stage of physical ability. One day of sitting for hours is okay. Three days in a row, and my back is yelling at me. Taking care of your physical self, and choosing what to spend your time on, will impact your future reality. 

Your attention is another powerful influence on you, and on others. What are you watching, listening to, reading, thinking about, and reacting to? You can only pay attention to so much. Attention is not bound by time. You can notice now, daydream about the future, or reminisce about the past. You can direct your mind, or let it wander among the trees or on social media. Consider your locus of control when you choose where to direct your attention. Giving energy to things outside your control can leave you feeling helpless, envious, or frustrated. Your attention connects your brain with ideas, relationships, and expectations. Are you attending to the future you want for yourself? 

Who you connect with impacts your future self. Your locus of control includes who you spend time with and how much energy you invest in each relationship. As humans we are influenced by the behavior of the people around us. Kindness, intellectual curiosity, respect, and laughter are all contagious. Resilience and thriving are far more possible when you have support and encouragement. Life is a team sport. Starting something new and building stronger relationships work well together. You and your friend can support one another in a new endeavor. New paths may also lead to new friendships. You can broaden your positive network in many ways as you journey toward the future you want.  

Use the power of repeated behaviors and practices to strengthen what you want in your life. Start at the center of your locus of control, your own health and well-being. Reach for the items and activities that will move you forward. Focus your attention on the input that will move you toward resilience and thriving. Connect with others who are headed in the same direction.  New or strengthened habits and practices focused in your locus of control allow you to build toward the future you desire. 

Peace,  

Laura 

When thinking about what to prioritize and focus on for your future self, it can be helpful to have a sounding board. Laura is available for a few coaching clients to support long-term planning. Learn more and schedule a free consultation.