How will the next chapter of your life unfold? (reflection exercise)

Western traditions use the blank canvas as a metaphor for creating the life of your choosing. The idea here is that you have limitless potential, no preexisting constraints, and complete freedom to create your future. Your tool: a paintbrush.

Eastern traditions speak of a raw block of jade to be shaped for the life you want to live. The idea here is that through rigorous refinement you will discover your path, which already exists within. Your charge is to clear the superfluous stone fragments that keep your created future shrouded. Your tool: a chisel.

Whichever tradition speaks to you – whether one here or one of your own making – reflect on these questions to purposefully decide how the next chapter of your life will unfold.

1. If you were granted one wish for the next chapter of your life, what would it be?

2. If you could live the next chapter any place in the world, where would you go?

3. If you could choose two mentors to guide the next chapter, who would they be?

4. If you could move now to some future point in your life, what are you doing and who is with you?

5. If you have children, how would you like to be in relation to them in five years?

6. If you were recognized as an enormous success at the end of the next chapter, what would you be known for?

7. If you could have friends attribute one quality to you at the end of the next chapter, what would you want it to be?

8. If you could provide a title for the next chapter of your life, what would it be?

(questions adapted from LifeForward by Pamela D. McLean)