From Tom Rath’s book Strengths Finder 2.0, I learned that a futurist is a person inspired by the future and what could be. They inspire others with their visions of the future.
This is me. I’ve always known it. But I never had the opportunity to hear and read about it so succinctly. I now have a simpler way to understand who I am.
I do love to peer over the horizon. I’ve always been fascinated by the future. I can see in detail what the future might hold … and become. A picture of the future does pull me forward, into tomorrow. It’s exactly as the book describes.
I am a dreamer. I see visions of what could be. And I love creating those visions.
So, how is this new knowledge helpful to me?
In my presentations and consulting, I often speak of Gumption, personal responsibility, and positivity. Now I better understand that those themes really are future-based concepts. I can now better internalize that my message is one of hope and a brighter tomorrow.
Knowing I’m a futurist, it now makes more sense why I’ve been so obsessed with reading and learning the past few years. To credibly share my vision of the future with others, a broad breadth of knowledge is required. I need an understanding of the way the world works. I believe that an understanding of the past and present serves as a useful tool to march off armed into the future.
I’m also encouraged that Strengths Finder 2.0 also says that futurists have the ability to energize others with their vision. And, in fact, people look to futurists to describe a future that they too can believe, raise their sights, and lift their spirits. Of course, with this talent comes the responsibility to choose words carefully, as people will latch on to the hope and vision that I share. Wow!
Over the years, I’ve been told to stop daydreaming, live for the moment, enjoy what you have right now, and don’t worry so much about the future. The problem with this advice, as I now understand, is that it’s counter to the way that I am. I love to daydream. For me, living in the moment is dreaming of the future. I believe I do enjoy what I have right now – while I also enjoy thinking about what I want to create in the future. And finally, not worrying about the future is good advice – but for me, not thinking about the future is impossible. I accept who I am. I accept my nature.
Interestingly, the book suggests that a futurist should partner with someone with strong activator talents. It’s not enough to simply discover the future, one must create it with actions. Activator just happens to be my number one strength! Now how lucky am I?
As a futurist, I say, “The future is as the future could be!”
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Next Blog Date: January 31, 2013