I felt with the New Year coming up and resolutions about to be made, this would make for a good topic to cover now. The short version is, no one truly knows what the future holds, however, you can guide it. 

Every action that we take affects the future in some way and for someone, ourselves, and/or others. Do not be fooled by the word “action” either. Inaction is also an active choice. This can be something as small as not taking out the garbage or not getting in a short workout (or blogging, in my case). 

There is a mentality that has been growing and caters to the thrill of instant gratification. By doing an action, you get something in return. You go through the drive-thru and donate a dollar to Taco Bell, they give you a coupon for a free taco on your next visit. Donations made to organizations via websites pop up a Thank You window and follow it up with a heartfelt email.

The goals we set for the future and the actions that we take to secure that future may not always give you that sense of completion upfront. A workout at the gym, that repetitive code you write while in a lesson, or scooping up those game components, even though they are building towards something greater will not provide you a pop-up or congratulations.

We can combat that by giving ourselves rewards if needed. I do warn you, as I have done this many times, there are ways to cheat at our own systems. The best way is to go ahead with an attitude, either positive or begrudgingly. Positivity will provide its own reward and similar to the other way. If you do something just to get it over with, there will be that sense of accomplishment as well. Either way, you pushed yourself through and completed what you set out to.

These actions are what guide us to our future. There is some luck involved as every chance you take comes with risk and reward. And for all of you, I leave with the great words of Doc Brown, “your future hasn’t been written yet. No one’s has! Your future is whatever you make it. So make it a good one!”

-Vincent