Recently, someone on LinkedIn stated that the present determines the future. I responded with a perspective that might seem counterintuitive: I’m increasingly convinced that it’s actually the future that shapes the present. Let me explain:
Our present actions, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are largely driven by our expectations, desires, and fears about what lies ahead.
Take Tom, a corporate lawyer, as an example. He has an annual appraisal meeting tomorrow with Maria, his partner and direct-report. Tom is stressed, anticipating feedback and preparing to defend his performance—something highly valued in his firm. Last year, Tom wasn’t prepared, and his 2023 appraisal didn’t go well. It was also Maria’s first year as a partner, making the experience even more impactful.
Tom’s anticipation of the meeting—his mental rehearsal, stress, and meticulous preparation—clearly shows how his vision of the future is influencing his present state of mind, emotions, and actions.
However, this future vision isn’t created in isolation. It’s a projection of his past experience—the 2023 appraisal meeting. When Tom tries to predict what will happen tomorrow, he unconsciously draws from that past memory to shape his expectations.
The key takeaway: Our perceived future is often just a projection of our past. We become puppets, with our strings pulled by past experiences projected onto our expectations of the future.
Our memories are like LEGO pieces that our minds use to build future scenarios, often skewed by negative past experiences. The past doesn’t just determine the future—it shapes our present actions as well.
To be more at peace and less stressed, we need to expand our collection of LEGO pieces. This means embracing life with more courage—engaging in more appraisal meetings, taking on difficult conversations, and tackling more challenging projects. By doing so, we enrich our experiences and create a broader, more balanced foundation for our future.
In other words, by investing in a richer and more diverse range of experiences, we help conjure up more accurate visions for the future and act more confidently in the present.
What do you think, dear Reader?
Do you ever consider investing in your past as much as in your future?
Philippos
PS1: For more on the concept of these “LEGO pieces” and how they shape our lives, check out my previous article: Bricks of Mind: Building the Future.
PS2: To dive deeper into how our past influences our present and future, explore the 2nd Edition of my book, The MARVEL of Happiness: The MARVEL of Happiness.
