Using the Future to Shape Your Present: The Business Card Hack

Introduction

Stephen Covey’s famous exercise of imagining one’s funeral is often used to gauge the impact of one’s life. However, there is another exercise that can help shape one’s present and future – the business card hack. In this article, we explore how the business card hack can help individuals envision and create their desired future while aligning their present actions with their future goals.

What is the Business Card Hack?

The business card hack involves creating a business card that represents what one wants to be doing in the future. The hack is simple; one can go to a website such as VistaPrint, create a business card with their desired job title and company name, pay for shipping, and get the business cards shipped to their house. The key to this technique is to create a card that is two years out from the current date. This creates an opportunity to bridge the gap between one’s current position and their desired future.

Why the Business Card Hack Works

The business card hack works because it allows individuals to envision their desired future in a tangible way. It is a physical representation of what one wants to achieve or become. It serves as a reminder of what one is working towards, helping them stay focused on their goals. It also encourages individuals to take action towards their goals as it provides a sense of accountability. It is easy to put off taking action towards something that feels distant or intangible. However, when one has a physical representation of that desired future, it becomes easier to take action towards it.

How to Use the Business Card Hack

To use the business card hack, one should start by identifying their desired future job or position. This can be any role or company that aligns with their goals and aspirations. For example, one might want to start their own business, become a software engineer at a tech company, or become a speaker and author.

Once the desired future job or position has been identified, it is time to create the business card. The business card should include the desired job title and company name. It should also have a professional and polished design that represents the individual’s desired future.

The next step is to order the business cards and have them shipped to one’s house. Once the business cards arrive, one should place them in a visible and accessible location. This can be in a planner, wallet, or even on a vision board. Having the business cards in a visible location is an essential part of the hack as it serves as a constant reminder of one’s desired future.

Lastly, one should consider sharing the business cards with others. This can be a powerful way to hold oneself accountable and stay on track towards one’s goals. By sharing the business cards with others, one is making a public declaration of their desired future. This can also lead to opportunities as others may remember the individual and their desired future job or position when related opportunities arise.

Conclusion

The business card hack is a simple but powerful exercise that can help individuals envision and create their desired future. By creating a physical representation of their desired future, individuals can stay focused on their goals and take active steps towards them. The business card hack also encourages individuals to make a public declaration of their desired future, leading to new opportunities and increased accountability. Overall, the business card hack is a valuable tool for anyone looking to align their present actions with their future goals.