Using a dialogue from “Alice in Wonderland” between Alice and the Cheshire Cat, this article explores the importance of having a clear destination in life. The central theme is that our vision for the future should determine our actions in the present, not the other way around.

Rejecting the Curse of Determinism

The author challenges the common belief of determinism—the idea that our past dictates our present and future. This mindset is limiting because it explains problems without offering solutions, trapping us in an unchangeable past. Instead of asking where you came from, the article emphasizes the only question that matters for progress: “Where do you want to go?”

Letting the Future Define the Present

The core argument is that future events, even imagined ones, can and should shape our current behavior. Just as an upcoming trip causes you to pack today, a clear vision for your “Future Self” should act as a compass for your daily decisions. The goal is to proactively define your own future and align your present actions to achieve that vision, rather than passively waiting for life to happen.

Why This Is Difficult

The article identifies three primary reasons why people struggle with this concept:
1. **Fear of uncertainty:** Most prefer the safety of predictable outcomes over paths with no guaranteed results.
2. **Comfort and complacency:** Security leads to a defensive mindset focused on protecting what one has, rather than striving for growth.
3. **Short-term focus:** Humans are naturally wired to prioritize immediate needs and threats, making long-term planning feel unnatural and difficult.

Mentoring question

Inspired by the Cheshire Cat, the article asks a fundamental question for you to reflect on: Where do you truly want to go in your life, and what is one action you can take today to start moving in that direction?

Source: https://52notatki.substack.com/p/dokad-pragniesz-dojsc-czyli-jak-nagiac