“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln

Your future self is depending on you—not for perfection, but for intentional action. Too often, people postpone planning for the future because it feels overwhelming, distant, or complicated. But the truth is, every powerful transformation starts with a single step. Whether you’re 30 or 70, the question isn’t, “Can I change my future?”—it’s, “What can I do today that my future self will thank me for?”

Living the Age Brilliantly mindset means choosing to plan with purpose, aligning your life with long-term goals, and making decisions that support a fulfilling 100-year life. It’s about thriving, not just surviving—and that starts with daily action.

Why Thinking About Your Future Self Matters

Research from UCLA psychologist Hal Hershfield shows that the more connected you feel to your future self, the more likely you are to make choices that benefit long-term well-being. In his study published in the Journal of Marketing Research, people who visualized their older selves were more likely to save money, eat healthier, and avoid impulsive decisions (source).

“I started journaling letters to my 80-year-old self. That changed how I spent my days—suddenly, I wasn’t putting off things that mattered.” – Age Brilliantly member, 41

So… What’s One Step You Can Take Today?

Here are six actions you can take right now to protect, support, and celebrate the person you’re becoming:

1. Write a Letter to Your Future Self
 Take ten minutes to write to yourself at age 80 or 90. Who are you? What are you proud of? What regrets have you avoided? Platforms likeFutureMe.org let you schedule delivery of your letter years into the future.

2. Create a Vision Plan for the Decade Ahead
 Instead of vague goals, outline specific desires across the Eight Life Essentials: health, finances, relationships, purpose, learning, career, time mastery, and passion. Use tools likeNotion orLifetick to track your personal goals and map your progress.

3. Start a Long-Term Financial Habit
 Even a small step—like automating a $25 monthly transfer to a savings account—can snowball. Apps likeDigit,YNAB, andEmpower help you align your spending with your future vision. According to a study by Morningstar, automated savers are significantly more likely to build long-term wealth (source).

4. Book That Health Checkup You’ve Been Delaying
 Preventive care can add years to your life. According to the CDC, early detection and regular screening reduce the risk of serious illness and long-term healthcare costs (source). Schedule that appointment, and take care of your body like it needs to last 100 years—because it just might.

5. Invest in a Learning Habit
 Commit to reading one book a month, taking an online course, or learning a new skill. Platforms likeCoursera,MasterClass, andLinkedIn Learning make it easy to stay curious and future-ready.

6. Connect With a Mentor—or Become One
 Ask someone you admire for a conversation about long-term planning, or offer your wisdom to someone younger. According to a report byMENTOR, both mentors and mentees show increased resilience, fulfillment, and clarity about the future.

“When I imagined who I wanted to be at 85, I realized I needed to become that person now—in small ways, every day.” – Age Brilliantly member, 67

This Isn’t About Doing Everything—It’s About Doing Something

One step. That’s all it takes to begin. The path to a meaningful, vibrant, 100-year life isn’t paved in dramatic overhauls. It’s built through simple, consistent actions made with your future self in mind.

So pause for a moment. Ask yourself:

• What would my 90-year-old self wish I started today?
• How can I align my actions with who I want to become?
• What habit, choice, or mindset shift could unlock the life I’m meant to live?

Whatever your answer, don’t wait for “someday.” Make it part of today.

What’s the one step you’re taking now to create the future you want?

Join the conversation and share your ideas in theforum.