Imagine yourself 3 to 5 years down the road. Everything is going well for you. You are happy with your life and your work. You are physically healthy. You have good friends. Your relationship with loved ones is healthy. You are fulfilled.
Please use your imagination and feel free to stray from the questions a little if you need to.
- What is your living situation? Do you live by yourself? Are you living with others? What kind of furniture do you have? Do you live in the city? Do you live in an apartment, home or trailer? Do you pay rent?
- How do you get ready for your workday in this visualized life? You love your job/work so much that you might even look forward to the workweek. Do you put on a suit, scrubs or do you dress casual? What is your breakfast like? How do you commute; bike, car or public transit?
- What is it about your place of employment that brings you pleasure other than pay? Is it the type of work? Is it your workmates? Do you work with the public or on your own?
- What do you do with your free time in this perfect, healthy life? Visit with friends? Go to the gym, cook, watch movies or maybe garden? Do you like to hang out with your family?
- What would those who love you say you had to sacrifice to make this perfect life happen? Keep in mind that pursuing education is a mostly selfish endeavor; it is for you and for your dreams. Also keep in mind that there are those who love you who will help you, and those who love you who will distract you. What would they say?
- What are some items that you consider very important to your happiness and well-being? Are there things in your life that are not necessarily essential, but bring you great joy? Phone? Computer? Car? Talk about things that you’d like to have even though you may not need them.