What's Your 200-Year Plan?

Most people have a 5-year plan, maybe even a 10-year plan. But what about a 200-year plan? It sounds crazy, right? But thinking on an ultra-long-term horizon can profoundly impact the choices we make today and the goals we set for tomorrow.

The Power of Long-Term Thinking

Imagine making decisions not just for yourself, but for generations to come. This is the essence of a 200-year plan. It's about:

Shifting your perspective: Moving beyond immediate concerns and considering the lasting impact of your actions.
Defining your values: Identifying what truly matters to you and ensuring those values endure.
Creating a legacy: Leaving behind something meaningful that will benefit future generations.

A Family Legacy: More Than Just a Name

One man's grandfather, captivated by Mae West, subtly altered the spelling of his son's name to honor her. This seemingly small act created a lasting, albeit quirky, family legacy. It demonstrates how even seemingly insignificant choices can ripple through time, shaping the identity of future generations.

Crafting Your Own 200-Year Plan

Creating a 200-year plan isn't about predicting the future; it's about defining the future you want to create. Here's how to get started:

Look Beyond Yourself: Consider what impact you want to have on the world, far beyond your own lifetime. What problems do you want to solve? What values do you want to promote?
Identify What to Forget: What baggage are you carrying from the past? What fears and insecurities are holding you back? Make a conscious effort to release these burdens and move forward with clarity and purpose. Put an "expiry date" on those problems.
Curate Your Legacy: In today's digital age, we leave behind traces of ourselves everywhere. Be mindful of the digital footprint you're creating and actively curate the online narrative you want to leave behind.

Technology as a Tool, Not a Metaphor

Technology can be a powerful tool for preserving and sharing our memories and values. However, it's important to remember that technology is not a perfect substitute for human memory. Our brains are biased curators, selectively remembering what we deem important. Use technology to enhance your legacy, but don't rely on it to define it.

Curating the Past and Future

Thinking about time differently can help you curate both your past and your future. Instead of seeing yourself moving forward in time, visualize the future approaching you. This allows you to anticipate challenges, seize opportunities, and shape your destiny.

History as an Imaging Tool

History isn't just a collection of facts and dates; it's a powerful tool for understanding ourselves and the world around us. By examining historical events through different lenses, we can challenge our biases, create our own narratives, and gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the human experience.

Creativity: The Ultimate Legacy Tool

While education provides us with knowledge and context, it is creativity that empowers us to transcend limitations and shape our own identities. Creativity allows us to create who we are and curate what is to come. It is the most important tool we have for leaving a meaningful legacy.

So, what's your 200-year plan? It's time to start thinking beyond the present and create a future worth remembering. Embrace your creativity, define your values, and leave your mark on the world for generations to come.