Letter to yourself.

In five years, who do you want to become?  Recently, on New Year’s Day. I posted a video asking our KOCH community to write a letter the their future selves in five years. My hope is that you will write this letter to transform your life. As a fun side note, you could win a $1000 shopping spree at the KOCH House or online! This question isn’t just an invitation; it’s a call to envision the future you desire. Imagine yourself in a cozy café, sipping a latte, and writing a letter to your future self. This exercise can be pivotal, turning dreams into tangible goals. The danger lies in stagnation—becoming an exaggerated version of who you are today. If someone were to meet you after four years and say, “You haven’t changed a bit,” it would be a missed opportunity. Setting goals is like planting seeds in a garden. When you take the time to articulate your hopes, you’re laying the groundwork for growth.

She might write about her desire to create a tech company for girls interested in coding or to launch a production company focused on storytelling. This act of writing doesn’t just clarify her focus; it brings her aspirations to life, transforming fleeting thoughts into concrete plans. Without planting those seeds, nothing can flourish. In addition to setting goals, developing yourself creatively and intellectually is crucial. Creativity fuels innovation and problem-solving, while intellectual growth sharpens your critical thinking and decision-making skills. Engaging in activities that stimulate your mind—like reading, exploring new ideas, or taking on creative projects—can unlock new perspectives and opportunities. These pursuits not only enrich your life but also prepare you for the challenges ahead.

Small, intentional choices made daily can lead to remarkable transformations. For instance, if that same young woman decides to enroll in a public speaking course, she builds confidence that could open doors to networking and pitching her ideas. In five years, she might find herself as the CEO of a thriving business. Conversely, if she remains passive, she may look back wishing she had taken that leap.

I urge you to share your letters with the KOCH community. While it may feel daunting, sharing your dreams fosters connection and camaraderie. At KOCH, we embrace risk and celebrate the courage to take small steps that can lead to significant change.

Instead of spending hours scrolling through social media, dedicate that time to writing your letter.  Social media can often distract us from our true aspirations, leading to a cycle of comparison and self-doubt. Writing a letter to yourself is a powerful act of self-reflection and intention-setting. It encourages you to think deeply about what truly matters and stimulates  self-discovery. This simple act can cultivate newfound confidence and clarity on your path to success. It’s about saying, “This is who I am, and this is who I want to become.”

In the end, writing a letter to yourself captures your dreams, reminds you of your values, and builds connections with others. I urge you to engage in this practice; it has the potential to transform your life in extraordinary ways. If it seems overwhelming start small, it doesn’t need to be lengthy—just a few bullet points or a single sentence about a risk you want to take. For me, it’s to write a screenplay and return to Harvard Business School. I’ll post my longer version on January 15th when we pick our winner!

So, find a quiet spot, grab a pen, and start writing.  The future is waiting for your message—a note filled with ambitions, dreams, and the journey you envision. The choices you make today can either shape your path or leave it unchanged, making the decision to act all the more crucial. After all, the goal is to become the best version of yourself, not just an amplified reflection of who you are today.