Borrowing Your Future Self’s Shoes / Feeling Success

Ever imagined how much could change if you started living as if your future goals were already real? In this episode, Stephen Martin opens up about his plans for the next five years, sharing how adopting the mindset of his future self helps him stay focused in the present. He shows how emotional visualisation and mindful decision-making can make big dreams feel a little more achievable—even if you have a hyperactive mind or a dyslexic way of thinking.

If you’ve ever felt stuck or impatient about where you want to be in life, you’ll find this episode refreshing. Stephen talks about leaning into the future self you want to become, so you can start making changes right now rather than waiting for some distant milestone.

Why Embracing Your Future Self Matters

Many of us spend our days either looking back or living on autopilot in the now. Stephen suggests that looking forward helps us see who we want to become. For those of us with dyslexia or ADHD, planning more than a few days ahead can sometimes feel impossible. But the trick, he says, is to focus on what life could look like, especially in five years, and line up our daily choices to match that vision.

When we’re clear about our future identity, from health to career to relationships, it becomes easier to decide what we say yes or no to today. If you want to be physically fit in five years, you don’t wait until year four to start. You tune into that future fitness feeling now—even if it’s just taking a short walk or tweaking your diet.

“Living in the future is not about ignoring the present; it’s about giving your current self a chance to experience what’s to come.”

The Power of Emotional Visualisation

Stephen goes beyond simple goal-setting. He stresses emotional visualisation, or tapping into how you’ll actually feel once you achieve your dreams. When you let yourself feel that excitement, gratitude, or relief in advance, you create a stronger mental link to your goals.

Short bursts of emotional practice can be a game-changer for minds that are prone to wandering. If you’re juggling the demands of work, family, and that classic dyslexic or ADHD tendency to get distracted, a minute or two of focused daydreaming can reconnect you with your purpose. This emotional depth boosts motivation, nudging you to choose the behaviour that edges you closer to living as your future self.

Try it now: Picture the life you’d like five years from today—feel the energy, see the surroundings, imagine the sounds. The more senses you involve, the more potent your motivation becomes.

Small Shifts for Big Results

Change doesn’t have to be huge and overwhelming. Stephen emphasises that even small tweaks in your routine can add up over time. Perhaps it’s setting an earlier bedtime, scheduling a quick workout three times a week, or committing to one focused hour of creativity each day.

These micro-changes help reduce stress because you’re already acting in line with your future self. Instead of feeling behind, you get a boost of confidence knowing you’re steadily building the life you want.

For instance, if fitness goals are on your mind, picking up the habit of a 15-minute walk could be the spark. If mindfulness is your aim, a few minutes of deep breathing can prime you for bigger transformations later. It’s all about consistency meeting intention.

Turning Dreams into Present-Moment Decisions

We often struggle to stay consistent with our goals because they feel distant. Stephen’s advice? Start tasting the future today. That might mean doing a quick trial run of a new hobby, signing up for a class, or even treating yourself like the healthier, happier person you’re aiming to be.

This present-moment approach isn’t just for big life goals. It works for daily decisions too. When we ask, “Does this choice align with who I’m becoming?” we filter out unnecessary stress and ditch the stuff we only do out of habit. Adults with dyslexia or ADHD can find clarity in these smaller, guided steps, especially when the big picture gets fuzzy.

If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our ongoing Sleep Survey to be in to win. Visit addednutrition.com for details and see how improved rest could be one of your micro-changes to level up. Just one subtle shift in your sleep routine might be the catalyst for seeing the world in a brighter light.

• Plan for five years, then work in short bursts of consistent action.
• Emotional visualisation boosts motivation and makes future goals feel tangible.
• Choose small actions that match your bigger aim—tiny steps build momentum.
• Connect emotionally with your goals to fuel everyday decisions.
• Experiment with “trying on” future experiences now for clarity and excitement.

Ready to learn more about living as your future self? Listen to the full episode (player is at the top of this page) for Stephen’s detailed insights and stories. You’ll also hear more about how adults with dyslexia and ADHD can use these strategies for personal growth. For extra resources, visit truthaboutdyslexia.com, join our supportive Facebook community at facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia, and follow the RightSiders Supplement Journey through addednutrition.com.