Do you believe in making plans? I’m quite unsure myself because it sometimes gives me anxiety or at least pressure, but last week I found myself in a situation that made me re-think.

On Sunday morning, I enjoyed a 5-hour brunch with two friends of mine and all of a sudden, they threw out the idea to share our 10-year plans. As I never think so far ahead, I didn’t have any thoughts ready to share, therefore I closed my eyes for a second and tried to vision myself 10 years ahead from now. It’s scarier than you’d think. Especially for someone like me so afraid to let myself down and fail in life.

It was very inspiring and interesting to listen to my friends. It made me understand them much better and where they’re at on that journey. I also understood myself better. I’m happy where I’m at, but I want to grow and be more involved with the organizations I collaborate with. Also, what I realized was that I see much more happening in my private life. I want to arrange more dinners, be involved with my children’s hobbies and spend more time on myself, doing things I love. I love work, but I’m so happy with where I am right now, so I don’t find work to be my main focus area.

If you’ve read any self-help books lately, you might have noticed a strong trend to reflect and write future plans. If that feels difficult, do what we did and spontaneously share dreams and goals with someone you feel safe and comfortable with. Just by saying them out loud is enough. Or at least it was for me. When you put words on it, it becomes more tangible and clearer.

Do you know how you want your life to look like 10 years from now?

Pictures by Janita Autio