Future Self, Lasting Impact: Lessons from Rick Ornelas

When I sat down with Rick Ornelas , the founder of I Spark Change, I anticipated a thoughtful discussion about leadership and social impact. What I didn’t expect was a transformative conversation about tapping into the wisdom of your future self, the power of persistence, and the essential role of service in achieving success.

Rick’s story is both a personal journey of growth and a universal roadmap for creating positive change. As a bestselling author, executive advisor, and champion of social impact, his insights resonate far beyond the entrepreneurial realm.

The Future Self as a Mentor

One of the most profound ideas Rick shared during our conversation was the concept of looking to your future self for guidance. “The best mentor you can have is your future self,” Rick explained. “Who do I need to be five or ten years from now to achieve my goals? That future version of me already knows the challenges I’ll face and the growth I’ll need to achieve.”

Rick’s perspective isn’t just about dreaming; it’s about growing into your goals. “You don’t accomplish today’s goals by staying the person you are now,” he said. “You have to evolve into the person capable of achieving them.”

Social Impact and Business Success

Rick’s organization, I Spark Change, bridges two seemingly distinct worlds: business growth and social impact. When I asked how these two areas connect, he shared a turning point in his journey:

“For years, I felt pulled in two directions—coaching clients and running I Spark Change. Then, I realized they were the same. At the foundation of both is service. Success comes when you focus on people and improving the world around you.”

Through his work, Rick empowers entrepreneurs to integrate social impact into their strategies, creating lasting change while growing their businesses. He believes that service and connection aren’t just values—they’re pathways to sustainable success.

The Never-Ending Journey of Leadership

With over 10,000 hours of experience training others in leadership and communication, Rick is a master of his craft. Yet, he remains humble about his ongoing growth. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I still have so much to learn,” Rick admitted.

Leadership, he emphasized, is no longer about issuing orders from the top. “Today’s leaders have to be adaptable and collaborative. They have to participate and engage, showing they’re willing to do the work alongside their teams.”

This perspective is not just theoretical for Rick—it’s rooted in his experiences navigating the ever-changing landscape of business, culture, and global events.

Writing for Impact

Rick’s upcoming book, 12 Hours of Heaven: Time on Earth, continues the story of his first book, 12 Hours of Heaven: Lessons for a Better World. The sequel explores what happens when lessons learned during extraordinary experiences are put into practice.

“It’s about the ripple effect of positive change,” Rick explained. “How do individuals use what they’ve learned to impact themselves and the world around them?”

The book reflects Rick’s commitment to creating a legacy of empowerment and growth, not just for his readers but for the broader communities they influence.

Practical Takeaways

Rick’s approach to goal-setting is both practical and inspiring. He combines long-term vision with daily discipline, writing out his goals as if they’ve already been accomplished. “I date it December 31 of the next year and write in the past tense, visualizing everything I want to achieve as if it’s already happened.”

This practice, honed over years, helps Rick clarify his priorities and focus his energy on what matters most.

Rick’s Final Message

As we wrapped up our conversation, Rick left me with a reminder that encapsulates his philosophy: “Anyone can change and accomplish anything. It’s just a matter of visualizing it, believing it, and taking action. Success and impact are within reach for everyone.”

What’s Next for You?

Rick’s insights challenge us to embrace the potential of our future selves, to lead with service, and to persist in the face of uncertainty. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or simply seeking a more purposeful life, Rick’s wisdom offers a powerful blueprint for lasting change.

So, what inspired choice will you make today to step closer to your goals? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how Rick’s story has influenced you. ??

Full interview here

Book mentioned: https://amzn.to/40FaI4F