A couple of weeks ago I took a break from my everyday routine to participate in a workshop for facilitators in Barcelona.

(That's right, a workshop about how to run workshops!)

One of our activities was to fill out the giant timeline pictured here. Using markers and note paper, we posted different types of events to the wall: historic events, personal and professional events, and events specific to our work in facilitation.

Once completed, I noticed something curious about our wall. Even though our timeline spanned 30 years, including both the past and future, the majority of our notes were clustered around the present day.

It seems an accurate reflection of how we spend most of our days.

We are dealing with day-to-day pressures, worried about what is likely to happen immediately next, or drifting back to what just happened within the last several months or years.

This is a natural and very human tendency.

One of the things I love most about coaching is that it gives people the chance to take an intentional pause in their day-to-day life to reflect constructively on both their future and past -- and apply their insights from both areas to make the present better.

How often do you make time to reflect on your past or to envision your future?

There is so much to be gained here. So this week, I've designed a reflection exercise for you. Grab a notebook and write your answers to these questions.

PAST
1. What past events are having the biggest impact on your present today? What moments, decisions, or other events does your mind keep bringing up? Make a list.

2. What do you still need to resolve from your past that will free you to be better today? How would it free you?

FUTURE
1. What future events are most top of mind for you or keep attracting your attention? Make a list.

2. What's one thing you'd like to be true for you (or the world) five years from now? How about 15 years from now?

DRAW YOUR OWN TIMELINE
1. Using your answers from the prompts above, fill in your own timeline.
2. Step back: What do you notice about your timeline? What events or milestones do you need to fill in? (Do so now.)
3. What concerns you? What energizes you?
4. What do you understand are your biggest priorities in life now?
5. Based on what you've learned here, what's your most important next step?

Perspective.

That's what I love about timelines (here's another fave). They help you zoom out and see all the context for what is going on today.

And they help remind you that whatever is happening right now -- your future is still open.

Change is always possible, starting now.

If you're feeling ready to go deeper in this type of reflective work, and know you'd benefit from an outside perspective and support, let's talk! I still have several spots open for new clients. Set up a time to talk here.