How to Become a Possibility-Based “Future” Person
Here’s an important question for you – are you a “Future-Based” person or a “Past-Based” one?
In the past few days this distinction has really hit home with me on Facebook.
I’ve had several people from my elementary school dig up school pics of our class in 5th grade and now 3rd grade. It’s painful to admit but I’m on the bottom row all the way to the left. (Missy says if the kids are geeky it’s because of me.) 
Now I certainly can understand (and enjoy) the occasional looking back, laughing, reminiscing of the past – but some people are truly just stuck there
It’s like the Bruce Springsteen song “Glory Days”.
“Now I think I’m going down to the well tonight
and I’m going to drink till I get my fill
And I hope when I get old I don’t sit around thinking about it
but I probably will
Yeah, just sitting back trying to recapture
a little of the glory of, well time slips away
and leaves you with nothing mister but
boring stories of glory days”
Facebook really shows me how many people want to re-live their ‘Glory Days’. That’s all they talk about. They only connect with old friends and are obsessed with what’s already happened. There’s no forward progress. Or in a sadder way, some people hold some deep hurt or wrong that’s been done to them. This past-based person will not and cannot get over it even though it’s history. They’ve let it become their permanent identity.
Now with all that said I actually believe there’s one important aspect of past-based living that’s important to your success and I’ll share it in a moment.
The second type of person is the “Future-Based” one…
This is the kind of person who believes the best is yet to come and nearly anything is possible. Every year is going to be even better than the last one. A lot of entrepreneurs fall into this camp. Personally, I’m optimistic 2009 is going to be even better than ever. And I bet I’ll say the same thing for 2010, 2011, etc.
It’s also someone who doesn’t let their past circumstances, situations, bank account dictate their future. I love looking forward and seeing possibilities and what can happen. What kind of ideas I can take and make real. (To me that’s my biggest thrill!)
The Trap of the Future-Based Person
Now there’s a caveat and a real trap you can fall into if you are a future-based person and that’s always looking forward that you discount today. I know first-hand about this. One of my 34 Rules for Maverick Entrepreneurs is “Celebrate Your Victories”. For Future-based people that’s not so easy. We’re hard wired to move on and look to our next project, idea, etc.
I have to truly force myself to stop and celebrate the wins. Or stop myself and attempt to “be” just in the moment. I work hard on this when I’m with Zak and Zoe. I’m not always successful but it’s something I strive for. My favorite moments are comforting Zoe in the middle of the night while she cuddles up on my chest in the glider in her room. I stop and think she’ll never be this small again and take a freeze frame image/vision/feeling of that moment.
And that’s one of the benefits future-based people can take from past-based people (what I hinted at earlier).
Anytime I am working on a real big, challenging project I go back into my head and think about the feelings I had when I “won”. You know, that all powerful “I can do anything” feeling that comes from a success. I use that as my stepping-stone and anchor for the next project my future-based self is always working on. (Side note: After any victory or time you really feel on top of the world – file that away in your head so you can call it up again and again.)
I also heard an interesting concept by Dan Sullivan of Strategic Coach that plays into part of this discussion. He has a theory of people being disappointed because they cannot reach their “ideal”. I think this is especially important for future-based people who don’t stop and consider their wins enough. It’s part of his “Pure Genius” Audio program (which if you can find it is well worth grabbing if you can find it anywhere still).
Why The ‘Ideal’ is Impossible to Reach
Dan gives the example of the horizon. We all know it’s silly to think we can ever reach the horizon because it keeps moving as we move closer to it. Same with an “ideal”. We feel despondent and maybe even depressed in our greatest victories if we attempt to measure them up to our ultimate ideals. But the people who are happiest are the ones of take stock of where they are today (Point B) than when they started (Point A). And we can all look back and gain that confidence and awe of how far we’ve come.
I just made a list last night of what I’ve done and accomplished in 2008. Before making that list I didn’t think I had such a great year. Our overall business revenue and profits were down because I’ve been heavily investing in Maverick Business Adventures® (time-wise and capital-wise). But when I actually made the list I was shocked at how incredible the year had been.
Everything from meeting my business hero, Sir Richard Branson on Necker Island, to having 3 sold-out Maverick Business Adventures experiences and launching the Maverick Business Insider newsletter with 5000+ charter subscribers. Or simple accomplishments like having Zak potty-trained & sleeping in a big-boy bed and Zoe taking her first steps.
It really made me appreciate the accomplishments and celebrate them (which isn’t my nature as a future-based person). So as 2008 winds down take stock of your accomplishments and maybe you’ll be further along than you imagine.
Here’s to an incredible 2009 and beyond!
Side note: Speaking of 2009 – if you want your future to be bigger than your past you should consider attending the Underground® 5 seminar (Feb 20-22, 2009). Not only do you get the real inside from an incredible line-up of speakers bringing in over $200,000,000.00 each year. But more importantly it’s about the connections and networking that happens there. (And for people that sign-up before January 15th you get access to a private VIP dinner and Casino Royale night where big deals will happen.)
I got documented testimonial after testimonial about people meeting there, hearing one idea or simply finding that one spark they needed.
In fact, here’s what one of my MasterMind members and Underground® 5 presenter, Carrie Wilkerson, reported back to me about her connection at Underground® 4 last year…
“At UG4 last year (at the blackjack table to be exact, before UG even STARTED), Vic [MaserMind member] and I discussed this model for the women’s audience and he gave me contact info for his programmers. I branded it out as PowerLinesforWomen and started list-building
Our list is 8,000+ and we’re going to monetize it with our first affiliate promotion this week!! (I should mention that I’ve not promoted this AT ALL to ANY of my lists yet – I wanted to get the kinks worked out first…so I think it’s going to be big) I know you’ve heard me say that UG4 was a huge catalyst for me…I’m not just saying that – I have example after example after example…”
Sign-up now before the price goes up and VIP networking bonuses go away
(Plus you get to write off the ticket on this year’s taxes!)
December 23rd, 2008 at 6:00 am
I’m definitely forward thinking – but for sure have to watch enjoying the now like you say.
It’s a tricky balance I think because the creative in people who look forward is always itching to create which means dreaming and expanding on the possibilities.
But it’s a balance I want to work on just the same.
Thank-you for the reminder!
I appreciate you right now
Make it a great day,
Andrea
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:00 am
Some serious wisdom in your post, Yanik.
1) I look back at MOST of my life and look at how frustrated I have always been, “never” making it to my ideal. This definitely has me realizing that I have come a long, long way from Point A to Point B.
2) I am brutally guilty about not being in the “present”, to the point that it suffers, at times. It’s time to celebrate a bit more, I believe.
Glad you couldn’t sleep, Yanik.
Take care,
Jeremy Nelms
December 23rd, 2008 at 8:42 am
Good Morning,
I’m a little hopped up on OTC cold meds so I hope this makes sense.
Yanik, if I didn’t know better, I would say you are going Charles Dickens on us.
Past, present, and future.
Living in the past and/or living in the future is not good. As we all know we only “live” in the present. Like when you where holding Zoe in the middle of the night. Sure, it is important to remember the past and dream of the future, but we all must LIVE in the present, the moment.
I’m as guilty as everyone of not following my own advice.
I’m not much for New Years resolutions, however, I think an excellent goal is to enjoy the moments more. To live in the present and to enjoy the journey. After all -
Life is a Journey and Not a Destination.
My best to all, enjoy your trip through your life.
Rob
December 23rd, 2008 at 8:59 am
I’ve been thinking about nearly the same thing.
More about positioning rather than past versus present versus future; but past, present, and future, *are* “positions” in time…so there’s a connection for me…
Anyway, I’ve discovered that I’m often in the present (which is ok) and in “neutral” (which isn’t always so good.) It’s one thing to avoid “bad” things, the things that don’t work or that don’t advance you, but that’s not enough!
Staying in neutral lets me escape the bad by correctly positioning myself away from it, but it doesn’t automatically deliver the good.
In the end, I need to be where I need to be. To the degree I’m not quite there, all sorts of troubles, usually minor but irritating, plague me….and I then typically blame the other guy–not myself–even though I’m in an inexact place….off target. That’s my fault, not the other guys’. But somehow, I don’t see that so easily. It’s easier to blame him.
In a similar way, the past is good, the present and the future are too.
But we need to use them so that we are in the right place at the right time so that the best flow of events will occur…as you have described.
Maybe some people are stuck in the past because that’s where their “flow” last was? And others are stuck in the future, hoping to experience that flow again, like they did in the past….since at the moment, in neutral, they don’t feel the flow.
Anyway, it’s something like that. Maybe. That’s as good as I can describe it. But I think I know what you’re writing about.
Again, good stuff. Nice post.
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:17 am
Great post Yanik! Thanks for the year-end reflection (not reflection of the year past, but the ability for anyone reading to reflect on their own situation).
I love sitting around with my brothers (one of seven boys in my family) and remiscing about family vacations or holiday mishaps when we were younger. But I don’t dwell on it.
It’s a sad reality that way too many people don’t live in the present moment and believe the future holds great things in store for them. If they only understood that it is simply a choice that only they can make.
Wherever you are today is only a perfect reflection of everything you’ve done in the past. It has nothing to do with what will happen in your future unless you make the decision to let that happen.
It’s tough to watch it especially when you see it happening in the lives of people you love. Unfortunately, most people don’t recognize that they spend a considerable amount of time blaming, excusing and justifying because they’re too stuck in the past.
Take ownership and responsibility for your life. Live in your present moment and know that you have the power to continuously make your future brighter!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Kevin
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:41 am
While remembering the past can be healthy, living in the past is not. You cannot change the past. You learn from the past so you do not repeat your mistakes.
Your past is most beneficial when you use it to improve your future. Apply the lessons you learn, move forward, and help others to keep making the same mistakes you did.
Merry Christmas & a Positive New Year!
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:30 am
Hey
Good article, if I had to choose where I am, it would have to be in the present. I barely remember what I did yesterday let alone 20 years ago. Occasionally I think of the past but then I give myself a shake and come back to reality.
As far as the future goes sometimes with all the turmoil in the world who wants to think too far ahead. More and more I hear people say “I am glad I am here now , I wouldn’t want to be here 50 years from now”.
My personal lifestyle is here now, everyday that I wake up is a gift. Short bursts of the Past to see what mistakes I made in life and what I have learned so it can be applied to the present. The Future can be the unknown we can only dream of the future as what we apply in the present may never play out.
Business lifestyle completely different you have to look at the past you have to be in the Present and most importantly you have to look into the future as to where you will be in your business or your job, a week, a month, a year from now or 5 years. You have to have a plan and set goals.
Good post….have a Great New Year.
December 23rd, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Yanik,
From a forward thinking person I want to thank you. Even as the year closes I am thinking about what I can still get done. I don’t feel like it has been a great year financially but when I look back I have made tremendous strides towards my goals.
I will sit with my grandchildren over Christmas and be pleased everyone is healthy and happy. My wife and I have learned so much this past year in our pursuit to have lucrative internet businesses. We have invested in our education and I am wholly expecting it to pay off in 2009.
Here’s to a Jolly Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours! And to everyone reading this message the world over. Love you all.
Best,
Michael
December 23rd, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Yanik,
I love reading your stuff, & am hoping to build my own internet business. I’ve read countless articles, pitches, etc. & my mind is always going 5 million different ways. I know there’s no overnight success but I just keep confusing myself on what to start, to start an internet business. I’ve finally decided to buy John Carlton’s copy writing course, & buy Derek Gehl’s course on infomarketing. I find myself truly happy when being creative, so I’m also starting a shop on cafepress and/or Zazzle. I’m doing it a little bit right here, as you can see, stretching myself thin, & not getting a whole lot done. But, I have put together a plan & narrowed it down to a few things. Some people say affiliate marketing is the best way to get started, what do you think?
What does this have to do with living in the past? Well, I always just shot from the hip, & that didn’t work to well. I bought & ran a franchise for 6 years, but I really only owned a job, & I think that has caused me to second guess myself a lot because I missed a lot of precious moments with my children who are now 11 & 13. Time flies so enjoy all the snuggling you can get, there’s nothing that can replace that. Before that I blew a chance to play division 1 football because I lacked the discipline & confidence. Duh, if they didn’t think I was good enough, they would’ve said so.
Anyway, here I am now, trying to live my dreams. I’ve gotten most of my ducks in a row & I’m thankful there’s someone like you out there to provide knowledge, insight, & just be yourself. I hope you & your family have a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, & one of my goals is to join you on at least one Maverick Business Adventure & an Underground.
December 23rd, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Hi Yanik,
It is a great post … has definitely made me stop for a minute and reflect on issues that are important in my life. I am so much with you on the future-based type of persons. I see a great analogy with what Donald Trump says: “Learn from the past, focus on the present and dream about the future”. I love this quote.
Yanik (off topic), I am so much thankful for the opportunity to have learned from you and other speakers at the Underground 4 seminar in 2008. I am one of those who did not hesitate to secure a spot for the upcoming Underground 5 because I know what the experience is when you are surrounded by people you admire and want to model. I’ve read the speaker lineup and I am so much looking forward to the event in February.
Wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and happy and profitable new year in 2009.
Vladimir
* Great quote! There’s another Trump one I wrote down in one of my notebooks something like “I don’t play the slot machines…I own the slot machines”
See you at Underground 5. It’s going to be awesome! – Y.S. *
December 23rd, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Yanik,
I can resonate so much with your comments, the reality is that the more we surround ourselves with negative energy (News, papers, negative “friends”, etc) the more we can fall into a trap of feeling bad, and wanting to look back at the “good”, often forgetting that we can create the good in the future, eliminating backwards thinking but for the true, quality memories.
I have always been an optimistic person, sometimes to such a degree to drown myself in projects that may have been a lost cause. Thinking forward must as you say be rooted in recognizing success and realities of today, therefore giving you the method to evaluate the future and enjoy the rewards when they arrive.
Keep up the writing, I really enjoy along with all your fans here..
Bottle of red and Lobster are waiting…
December 24th, 2008 at 3:51 am
This is a great article – I’m definitely a future person myself. But one trick I’ve learned is to enjoy the journey! I don’t think I will ever become satisfied with where I am – there’s always a bigger, better place over the horizon – but I can enjoy the process of getting there, and, as you say, celebrate those little victories every day.
Good stuff – I’ll be checking back on your words of wisdom for sure!
December 24th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Great post Yanik, that’s true though. I’m a future based myself, always looking forward to the better, but sometimes the past creeps on in though, but you just can’t let it stay like that, like you were saying.
Terrance Charles
December 24th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Thought-full article Yanik – life is definitely for living, celebrating and being the best we can. I love how you blend your joy of parenting with the joys of building your business. Children have a way of anchoring us in the present yet at the same time skyrocketing us to the future. Shortly after celebrating their 15th birthday, my twin daughters were busy counting the days to their 16th…. as parents we want the best and more for our children, so naturally you are always thinking, planning ways to increase your energy, vitalty- just to keep up with them. Here’s to a fun-filled, successful 2009. Namaste. Ntathu
December 26th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Thought-full article Yanik – life is definitely for living, celebrating and being the best we can. I love how you blend your joy of parenting with the joys of building your business. Children have a way of anchoring us in the present yet at the same time skyrocketing us to the future. Shortly after celebrating their 15th birthday, my twin daughters were busy counting the days to their 16th…. as parents we want the best and more for our children, so naturally you are always thinking, planning ways to increase your energy, vitalty- just to keep up with them. Here’s to a fun-filled, successful 2009. Namaste. Ntathu
December 26th, 2008 at 9:10 am
This is a great article – I’m definitely a future person myself. But one trick I’ve learned is to enjoy the journey! I don’t think I will ever become satisfied with where I am – there’s always a bigger, better place over the horizon – but I can enjoy the process of getting there, and, as you say, celebrate those little victories every day.
December 26th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Hi Yanik,
Thanks for sharing this great post with us! – I really enjoyed it.
Kind regards,
Saul Maraney
Johannesburg, South Africa
December 29th, 2008 at 5:51 am
Hey Yanik,
This is a great post, the only problem I see with it is that many people are too busy chasing the future that they don’t count their blessings.
I was reading back a day or so how you’ve been having some work done on your knees because of sports injuries. I hope that works for you man ~ but the point I’m struggling to make here is that you still PLAY sports as well as doing Internet Marketing. That’s ‘cos you’re also present centred.
Don’t get me wrong, the past is past and long gone, and the pace of change is accelerating at a logarithmic rate so what works today won’t necessarily work tomorrow, although I suspect we both know what will.
Seth Godin wrote recently that it’s really impossible to predict the future from where we are.
Thanks for this forward thinking post. It got me to write something here at last.
Warm regards,
Stephen
January 2nd, 2009 at 7:58 am
When I think of my childhood, I can laugh. It’s not funny actually, but I chuckle at how immature, childish and gullible I was.
But as a grown up man, I can say I am a future-based person too. I leave behind all bad memories, keep the good ones and look forward to a brighter and greener pasture. Life is how you make it!
January 4th, 2009 at 9:09 am
You are so on the mark with the future-based person’s traits and traps. Found myself nodding along all the way through.
As it happens, I was very thick into planning my 2009 when I felt a need for a break and saw this. Will now list my 2008 successes and smell the roses before continuing…
January 5th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
I used to hold a “hurt” from when I was in grade school all the way until high school. I had teachers that I felt treated me wrong simply because I was shy, reserved, vulnerable kid. Heck, I STILL have some negative feelings towards them when I look back… but I’ve learned to let go a lot of it.
I think being an online marketer and entrepreneur has helped me with that because I now consider myself a future-based person. I’m just excited about the possibilities now…
Thanks Yanik,
Shiraz
January 6th, 2009 at 12:14 am
Great post.
I have had one “real job” in my adult life. Lasted about 9 months.
Two months in, I’m talking with one of the other employees about a talk she had with her teenage daughter the night before.
Seems the daughter couldn’t wait to grow up and “get out on her own.”
The woman tells her, “you don’t get it. After you get out of high school and have real responsibilities, you’ll be looking back on these years as the best of your life. You’ll wish you could go back for the rest of your life.”
I’m a live-and-let-live kinda person, but I couldn’t hide the look of disgust that rushed over my face.
Thinking about it still makes me feel a little ill.
March on, here’s to the future. Surprises, bumps, victories, and all.
February 4th, 2009 at 10:29 am
I guess that is why we are called HUMAN Beings. We need to BE. Just Be. Sometimes. That is so Cool when you are on the Plane of Being. It is like you get to enjoy it all the past the future and the NOW all at once. Does that sound a little weird. Wel good rather be Wierd then Normal LOL
Your friend for life
Juanita Waterman