Years ago, I interviewed a successful advertising man. I never believed he could make it. About ten years later, however, I was surprised to see the man on TV, holding up his new book. He has published more than 100 best sellers.
His ability to see himself as a writer shows a concept (理念) known as "possible selves." It describes how people picture their future life: what they may become, or want to become, or even fear to become.
What you imagine can come true if you build a bridge from your "now" self to your possible self. But how do we build that bridge? Here are a few steps you can try.
First of all, just take action. If you're dreaming of a certain job, attend a course, follow someone who does what you want to do and start by taking up that type of work as a hobby or a side job. You should tell yourself that these are the steps you can take to achieve that goal (目标).
A study of adults aged between 23 and 72 found that more than 70 percent of those who sent weekly progress to a friend completed their goals, twice the percentage of those who didn't share written goals. So secondly, when you have a goal, share it. That finding held true for all goals.
Finally, try looking toward people you know only by chance for advice, or those with whom you haven't spoken in years. A lot of research has found that when you're asking for valuable advice, people in your larger network are more likely (可能) to help you than those closest to you.
A. Ask your best friends to share their goals.
B. A possible self can take you beyond daydreams.
C. He told me that he dreamed of being a writer in fact.
D. So, reach out to your weak connections for it when needed.
E. He always imagined himself as the most successful businessman.
F. More friends knowing about your goal makes it more likely to be achieved.
