Mapping My Future

Or your future. The process I will cover here can be used by anyone. Perhaps you have already used it? Or perhaps someone you know?

Whenever I question what lies ahead for me, I begin writing lists. Such as, what are my interests, the kind of things that capture my attention quickly and keep my focus on them. Also, what kind of activities do I enjoy doing? If I can match interests with activities, it seems something good will click.

Before jotting down the lists, it helps to clearly articulate what the situation is that is causing this lack of focus in the first place. In my case, it is simply this: nearing 82 years of age, my future seems dim if not without purpose. What options lie before me to explore to rectify this situation?

Of course, your current situation is likely very different from mine. Maybe something like: out of work for 6 months, now what do I do with my experience, talents and interests? It will help to inventory the specifics of your experiences, your talents and so forth. It would also help to rank order their accuracy. How come I think a talent specifically applies to me? Do others share this view of me, or is this a self-assessment that could be very wrong? It helps to be realistic and accurate in this exercise.

In my particular case, here are the interests I have long enjoyed:

1.      Economics, theory and analysis

2.      Political systems, and their histories

3.      Music, classical and musical theatre

4.      Southwestern American deserts

5.      Woods and forests, natural landscapes

6.      New England, western Massachusetts

7.      Nonprofit organizations, their operations, missions

8.      People, personalities & behaviors

9.      Making a difference in the lives of others

10.  Intellectual pursuits

Activities grabbing my attention include the following:

1.      Driving a car

2.      Travel, regional explorations

3.      Consulting

4.      Mentoring

5.      Teaching, guiding

6.      Writing

7.      Blogging

8.      Learning, researching

9.      Talking with people, discussing issues

10.  Motivating others to fully develop their interests and talents

I have an “Other” category as well, and it includes these two caveats:

1.      Accommodating physical limitations (walking, standing)

2.      Living within limited financial means

As mentioned, these specifics are mine; yours will differ.

Studying the lists will hopefully help me create some purpose I could provide that brings value to my life and reduces boredom. One such purpose is to travel to rural communities and sit in a local diner or community center and strike up conversations with strangers from the area. The point is to get them talking about things that matter to them, take notes and return home to write a blog to share with others. I already have a list of possible questions to ask these people, to get them thinking and talking. It should be noted that political discussions are not on the topic list. Of course, if that is what they want to talk about, then that is what we cover. Sharing my point of view is not the purpose. Rather, the purpose is to learn what others think on many issues common to us all. I expect to be surprised by what they discuss, that is unexpected as well!

Others have suggested that I turn my 13 years of blogs into a book or series of books. There’s 3 million words there that could be book worthy. On the other hand, editing those blogs into a readable book is a large task.

At any rate, I’ll let you know my progress on mapping my future. Meanwhile, how about your own progress? Want to talk about it?

May 14, 2025

 

 

 


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