Preparing for a Future You’ll Be Proud Of

Many of us spend a lot of time worrying about the future.

We wonder if we’re on the right path, if our story will be meaningful, or if we’ll ever feel certain about what we’re meant to do.

But after talking with people across all stages of life—including those in their 80s and 90s—I’ve noticed something surprising.

The moments that brought them the most joy, fulfillment, and meaning weren’t always the ones they had meticulously planned for.

Instead, the experiences they valued most often arrived unexpectedly.

Yet, when we’re younger, we tend to obsess over whether we’re making the “right” choices.

We ask ourselves, Am I headed in the right direction?

But maybe that’s not the best question to be asking.

A more helpful perspective might be: Am I preparing myself for a future I can be proud of?

When we shift our focus from predicting the future to becoming the kind of person who is ready for it, everything changes.

Instead of trying to control every outcome, we start thinking about the skills, habits, and character we need to cultivate today.

One way to reframe this is to imagine your future self a year from now.

If that version of you could look back at who you are today, would they be proud?

Would they see someone who is actively growing, learning, and building the foundation for the life they want?

We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can control how we prepare.

By focusing on who we are becoming, we create a life that feels meaningful—regardless of what surprises come our way.

So rather than stressing over whether you’re on the “right” path, ask yourself: Am I showing up in a way that makes my future self proud?

If the answer is yes, then you’re already heading in the right direction.