A couple of years ago, I came across this image and it immediately stopped my doom scroll.

I analysed it, printed it, and then stuck it onto my refrigerator. The place where I knew I would be confronted with it every day. The idea was for me to really think about what I was seeing and then be super intentional about how I wanted to move forward.

Something else profound happened after I started looking at this day after day. I started to feel less regret for the paths I did or didn’t take and started looking more hopefully towards the future.

After all, you can’t change the past but you can shape your future.

Looking at this map of time also reminds me of something I once learned about the Aymara people (indigenous people of the Andean highlands of Bolivia, Peru, and Chile). They use language that puts the past ahead and the future behind.

Wait, what!?

They see the past as the forward direction, something known, visible and right in front of them, because it’s already happened and seen by the eyes. The future, on the other hand, is unseen and behind them, waiting to unfold. Source: Researcher Rafael Núñez

When I first read about this I was blown away. The past is ahead of me?!?

The idea that time could be perceived so differently made me realise: time is not as fixed as we think. And Einstein would agree. His Theory of Relativity states that the rate at which time flows depends on where you are and how fast you're traveling. In other words, time is not fixed; it’s flexible, shaped by perspective and movement.

Are you now just really confused about the concept of time? Me too. :)

But my point is that whether we’re talking about ancient language, physics, or personal journies: there is no single, fixed way to view time.

Which brings me to your career. There is no single, fixed path for you, either. There are many ways forward, many roads you can take. And if you’re feeling stuck, it’s likely because you’ve convinced yourself that there’s only one “right” way.

The best part is that you have choices. You may not be able to see them all and that is when you may need to seek help (a mentor, coach, or friend).

If you are feeling stuck, here are three exercises I suggest:

1- Write down what you want your “next-next” role to be. What role do you want two roles from now? This will ensure you are thinking long-term and that next move you make is in the right direction.

2- Write your epitaph. What do you want people to say about you when you are gone? It sounds morbid but it’s one of the best ways to really bring home what matters to you.

3- Phone a Friend (preferably a Coach). You don’t have to figure this out alone. Getting out of your own head is a sure-fire way of being able to bring clarity to decisions you need to make.

One thing you will never regret is investing time in planning to be the best version you want to be.

I guarantee you….

Your Future Self Will Thank You.

Whether they are in front of you or behind you. :)