Six Ways to Know and Describe Where You Will Be in 10 Years’ Time – Part 1

Recently, I posed a question to some friends: “Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?” This question requires imagination, a sense of purpose, and a sprinkle of optimism to answer in a way that motivates or inspires you. Some were hesitant to share for various reasons, and those who did mostly expressed conservative expectations. Having a personal vision is crucial, as it can significantly impact the quality of our lives.

In our daily lives, we engage in various activities, but what gives meaning to our actions is our vision. A clear and compelling vision of the future has the power to transform the way we approach our daily activities. For example, let’s consider two bricklayers. When asked what they do, the first person simply says, “I am a bricklayer.” However, the second person responds by saying, “I am helping to rescue poor orphans from the streets by building an orphanage.” He explains that their goal is to remove 100 children from the streets, and once the prototype is complete, it will create momentum for more. Although they are both laying bricks, the second person has connected his mundane bricklaying work to something truly impactful. That’s the power of vision!

Vision also makes us more effective, efficient, and focused. It enables us to be resilient, patient, and committed to our work. To put it simply, if I have a reservation for a three-course meal in a fancy hotel, I can easily say no to low-quality food that is readily available to satisfy my immediate hunger. Vision helps us endure present difficulties for the sake of a guaranteed future. It pushes us to work harder and persevere more than we would without it. It’s no wonder that the wise King Solomon said people live carelessly without vision or revelation.

Personally, I have been fortunate to confidently speak about where I would be in the future and see those predictions come true. So, how can you know where you will be in 10 years’ time? I recommend six ways, but I will continue discussing them in part 2.

Adeolu Akinyemi