I celebrated my birthday by going to the theatre to see Back to the Future, which was unbelievably incredible. As I watched the iconic time-travel story unfold, it got me thinking, if I could step into my own DeLorean and give my past self some advice, what would it be? And, more importantly, what choices can I make today that my future self will thank me for?

We often get caught up in the daily grind, responding to the demands of life, other people’s expectations, and the never-ending to-do lists. But if we paused for a moment and projected ourselves into the future, looking back at today, what would we wish we had done differently?

The Advice I Would Give My Past Self

If I could go back, I would tell myself:

• Stop pleasing others at the expense of yourself. You cannot be everything to everyone, and prioritizing your own needs isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
• Let go of the need for universal approval. People’s opinions of you are filtered through their own experiences, biases, and insecurities. Their rule book is not your rule book.
• You are more than good enough. The self-doubt that whispers in your ear is a liar. You bring unique value to the world just as you are.

At different stages in life, we need different lessons. The advice I would give my younger self is not necessarily the same wisdom I need today. So, what is my focus now?

What My Future Self Would Tell Me Today

Looking ahead, I know my future self will be grateful for the work I am doing now to create a more balanced and fulfilling life. She would remind me:

• Keep pushing through discomfort. Growth never happens in comfort zones. Every challenge, every moment of self-doubt, and every uncomfortable step forward is building a stronger, wiser, more capable version of you.
• Let go of those who try to keep you small. Surround yourself with people who elevate and support you. If someone feels threatened by your growth, that’s a reflection of their limitations, not yours.
• Focus on gaining balance. Success isn’t just about achieving more—it’s about creating a life where you have the time and space to enjoy what truly matters.
• Make the adjustments now that give you more time later. The hard work and strategic shifts you make today will buy you freedom in the future.
• Seek guidance beyond your own perspective. I have taken on two different coaches to help me achieve different areas of my plan, and this has been vital for my long-term success. We all have blind spots, and having expert guidance gives us a bigger-picture perspective rather than being confined to our own beliefs. This approach ensures we grow in ways we might not even realize we need.

Helping Others Break Their Own Barriers

This is exactly what I do for business owners—I help them rewire the blockers holding them back, stopping them from achieving and feeling their best. By shifting their mindset, breaking limiting beliefs, and implementing strategies tailored to their success, I help them unlock their full potential. Just as I seek external expertise to keep evolving, I provide that same transformation for others, enabling them to step into their best selves.

Your Turn: A Message to Your Future Self

If you were to send a message to yourself five or ten years from now, what would it say? What decisions, habits, or mindsets can you shift today that will shape the future you want?

We don’t need a time machine to create a better future. Every choice we make now is writing the story our future self will live. So, let’s choose wisely, push through the discomfort, and build a life that, looking back, we will be proud of.

If you could give your past self one piece of advice, what would it be? And what do you think your future self would tell you right now? I’d love to hear your thoughts!