We all have a hard time making a real life-altering decision. A recent client came in and asked me to decide for him: “Should I stay in college even though I’m bored out of my mind, or should I start a business, or should I go work for my uncle, or should I travel Europe for a year before I decide any of the above?” How can we ensure that the important decision we make today will not be a source of guilt, shame, and regret in the future? Well, we can just consult the future itself:

Step 1: Choose one major decision and write down the options you consider. #

Step 2: Consider option 1 as if it were the only option. #

Step 3: Initiate a downtime state. #

Step 4: Associate into making the decision as option 1. #

Step 5: Enter the timeline and then race forward ten years into the future. #

Step 6: Meet your future self, 10 years older, sitting there on the timeline waiting to greet you. #

Step 7: Ask the future self: “Are you angry with me? #

" And wait for a response.

Step 8: If the answer is “yes,” ask, “Can you please tell me why? #

What has happened that made you upset? “, and listen for the answer.

Step 9: Tell your future self, “I’ll be right back,” and float back to the present. #

Break state. Dissociate from option 1 and associate with option 2 as if it was the only decision.

Step 10: Repeat steps 5 to 9 for every option on your list. #

For the last one, skip step 9 and thank your future self for its input.

Step 11: Ask your future self one last question: “What do you expect of me, emotionally, relationally, and practically? #

How can I make sure that when I become you in 10 years, I will be whole and satisfied with my past? " Listen to the answers patiently.

Step 12: Return to the present timeline, break state, and take a deep breath. #

Step 13: Test. #

Which one of the options you listed do you feel the strongest about?

Step 14: Future pace. #

Imagine yourself (first perceptual position) in 10 years’ time, meeting your older self (of the present) and smiling at him as he arrives to greet you. “You made the right choice,” you tell him. Break state.