The Bottom Line: Living into your future is a powerful way to create it.
Some people choose to use the “fake it ‘til you make it” strategy in new situations, whereas others prefer to “act as if.” (I explored the difference between the two in this LinkedIn article.) But now, I’ve learned a phrase that I believe can do even more for those of us wanting to step into a more fulfilling future.
Live into it.
This gem simply fell out of the mouth of Reverend Carin Bringelson, my minister at Peoples Church Unitarian Universalist, and it really struck me with its power and simplicity.
I’ve just started to explore the value this view can have in both professional and personal life. Here are some ways I already anticipate an individual benefiting from it.
- Since you’re neither “faking” nor “acting,” living into your actions confidently act with integrity.
- Since, as Annie Dillard puts it, how you spend your days is how you spend your life, living into your actions enables you to behave more mindfully, and less on autopilot. This keeps you engaged, and more likely to see both opportunities and potential pitfalls.
- Choosing this approach gets you thinking about what’s important to you and gets you in touch with your values.
- It stimulates creativity by predisposing you to imagine just what would be fulfilling to live into.
- In a similar vein, it may help you to more effectively set actionable goals, especially if the SMART approach (setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) hasn’t produced results for you.
- Intentionally choosing this approach can be a grounding spiritual practice (although that’s a topic for another time).
- It’s a powerful tool if you’re ready to commit to an “unwavering assault on mediocrity” (thanks to Bart Loos for that amazing phrasing ☺).
I’m currently pondering how to live into being more focused, appreciative, and discerning. What could you live into that would help you feel better and produce better outcomes?
(BTW, thank you to David Jackson for posting his image on Unsplash.)
Never miss out on a tool for power-washing that inner diamond of yours.
Sign up for my short, weekly posts that will help you to shine bright.
I won't spam you or share your information, because yuck.
