Creating a Vision for Your Future
Mark Kennedy
12 March 2025
Seeing the ideal future can come to some people as naturally as looking out the window, with the ideal career and pathway
Sometimes, we think that school gives learning a bit of a bad reputation. There is so much more to learning than lessons, homework, and exam prep. We are constantly learning. Every new experience that we have, every mistake that we make and every challenge we overcome, teaches us something new about ourselves. Whether you’re a student trying to figure things out or a young adult chasing your goals, learning how to grow as a person can genuinely be exciting, rewarding, and most importantly – it can be really fun!
Personal development is simply the process of improving yourself mentally, emotionally, and even physically. That might mean building confidence, learning new skills, improving your mindset, or setting goals for your future. Basically, it’s about becoming the kind of person you’re proud to be.
When it comes to personal development, the most exciting part might just be this question: What do you want to learn? If you’re unsure where to begin, start by asking yourself a few simple questions:
Sometimes, it’s just about following that little “what if?” voice in your head. What if I learned to bake a cake from scratch? What if I finally figured out how to play the guitar? What if I understood how to manage my money, or speak another language?
Writing your answers down in a journal or even recording them on your phone can help you get your thoughts out of your head. When you have something physical to reflect back on, it’s easier to notice what really matters to you. This will give you the clarity you need to start moving forward.
Creativity isn’t just for “artsy” people—it’s for everyone. It’s all about having fun and thinking outside the box. When your mind’s in overdrive, doing something creative can act like a reset button. It gives your brain a break from overthinking and allows you to focus on the moment, whether you’re painting, writing, playing music, or even just doodling in the margins of your notebook.
Even just ten minutes of creative time can help you feel more grounded and energised which is something we could all use now and then. You don’t need to be “good” at any of it to get started… You just need to be willing to try! There’s real joy in doing something just for the experience – not just the end result.
Mastering practical life skills might not sound as exciting as learning to play an instrument or creating a piece of art – but don’t underestimate how empowering it feels to have the basics handled. Learning how to cook a few decent meals, budget your money, or plan your week can make a huge difference in your day-to-day life. These are the skills that help you feel more in control, more independent, and a whole lot less stressed when things get busy or unpredictable. The more confident you get with the essentials, the more time and energy you have to focus on your bigger goals.
Some of our favourite personal development books are Rich Dad, Poor Dad, The Chimp Paradox, and Tiny Habits. They’re packed with useful lessons but written in a way that feels like a conversation, not a lecture. And if you’re more into creative energy boosts than finance tips, something like The Miracle Morning might be the spark you need.
We all have that one thing we’ve always been curious about. Something that’s lingered in the back of our minds for years. Maybe it’s learning to play an instrument, trying out photography, speaking a new language, or even writing a book. But so often, we put it off. Life gets busy, we doubt ourselves, or we tell ourselves we’ll do it “someday.” The problem is, someday has a sneaky way of never arriving. And as time passes, the fear of not being good enough or not having the time only grows louder.
Curiosity is your mind’s way of telling you there’s something worth exploring – something that could light you up or challenge you in the best possible way. Following it doesn’t mean you need to become an expert or turn your new interest into a career. It just means being open to new experiences and allowing yourself the chance to grow in unexpected directions. You never know what you’ll discover, not just about the world, but about who you are and what truly brings you joy.
The biggest regret people often have isn’t failing… it’s never trying! So if there’s something you’ve always wanted to do, don’t wait for the perfect time. Start small. Take a class, watch a tutorial, or just dive in and have a go. It could turn into a lifelong passion or, at the very least, make a great story!
Sometimes, personal development is about getting better at something you already love. Maybe you’re into gaming, fashion, music, photography, fitness. If it’s something you genuinely enjoy, why not take it a step further? Dig a little deeper, learn more about it, and see how far you can take it. It’s a pretty great feeling when you realise you’re getting better at something just because you decided to put the effort in.
The cool thing is, you don’t have to wait for someone to teach you or tell you what to do. You can be your own teacher. Watch YouTube tutorials, read blogs, follow creators you admire, experiment, mess up, try again—that’s how you become an independent learner. When you take charge of your own learning, you’re not just gaining new skills, you’re gradually building up your self-confidence. You might be surprised at how much it helps you figure out who you are and what you want out of life. The more you follow your interests and explore them in your own way, the more you start shaping your future around the things that matter to you.
Start by choosing formats that work for you. Maybe you love curling up with a good book, especially one that inspires you to think differently about life, money, or your mindset. If reading isn’t your thing, that’s okay. Audiobooks and podcasts are amazing tools – especially if you’re always on the move. Why not listen to something positive while you’re walking to school, driving to work, or even tidying your room?
But learning isn’t limited to books and podcasts either. Spending time with friends, trying new hobbies, or even just having deep conversations can teach you so much about yourself. You might realise that you thrive in a group setting, or that you struggle to manage stress, or that you light up when you’re helping others. These moments of self-discovery are just as valuable as any formal lesson.
Our hobbies are secretly some of the best personal development tools around! When you’re learning to throw a clay pot, strum a guitar, or hit a tennis ball, you’re also learning about patience, resilience, and focus. Plus, when you’re doing something you enjoy, your brain is more open to learning. The more you enjoy the process, the more motivated you’ll be to keep going.
Personal development doesn’t mean that you need to overhaul your whole life. Start where you are and make small, positive changes. Even spending just 10 minutes a day listening to an inspiring podcast, reading a few pages of a book, or journaling your thoughts counts. Try to do things that add value to your day. If scrolling TikTok for an hour doesn’t leave you feeling inspired, maybe swap 15 minutes of that time for something that does.
If you’re looking for a bit of inspiration, our book Don’t Get Your Neck Tattooed, is here to help! You’ll meet Milo, a regular teen who goes on a journey through the “Z to A of Life”, where each letter stands for essential life habits that will help bring you success. He’ll show you that ‘this is how life can be if you want it to be’. He doesn’t go backwards but sometimes life doesn’t go in the order we expect it to. By creating positive mindsets, developing great habits and learning from successful people, you can now turn dreams into realities.
At the end of the day, personal development isn’t just about ticking off goals. It’s about getting to know yourself, trying new things, and building a life that feels meaningful and true to you. The more you invest in yourself, the more confident, capable, and fulfilled you’ll feel. And that’s something truly worth working toward!
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