Write a Note to the Future You

Every now and then, I accidentally do something brilliant. In this case, it was saving a paper I wrote 30 years ago at Wharton.

My entrepreneurship professor assigned me to write a paper about my "realms of competence", and I just stumbled across the paper.

It's not often that you have the chance to review your precise thoughts from many years ago. I remember that this exercise was extremely helpful at the time, and it is even more helpful now.

Can you see it coming? I'm about to give you homework. This may at first seem like I am overreaching the bounds of our relationship, but - trust me - you will be delighted if you accept my suggestion.

Write two to four pages that explain:

• Three of your strengths
• Three of your weaknesses
• What motivates you
• Ten companies you would - or wouldn't - work for, and why

To get value out of this project, take it seriously. Write it with the intention that others will read it, so make it clear and interesting. When you re-read it years later, you will be grateful for the time and effort you invest now.

To motivate you, here are a few examples of what I just learned.

(To help myself be more objective, I wrote this paper in the third person.)

In my twenties, I didn't fully understand my strengths. I was right about "being motivated" and "having initiative", but was way off base that I was a "natural leader" or "skilled at establishing a rapport with others". 

I nailed some of my weaknesses, especially about being reactive. "Alone with a phone and a sales pitch," I wrote, "Kasanoff would go nowhere. He depends on external sources for motivation and support."

"Kasanoff prefers to be involved in projects and organizations that add value to people's lives. Selling milk, cereal or soap - regardless of market share - doesn't motivate him."

Bingo. Thirty years later, that's still true.

My professor wisely asked us to list ten firms we might - or might not - be willing to join. This helped me translate personal observations into specific career terms. For example, I wrote about Ogilvy & Mather, "Kasanoff's talents are well-suited to account management, where one needs to deal with both business and creative types."

Ten years later, I joined O&M as an account manager. Until this week, I had no memory of writing about O&M as a potential employer. 

I also listed firms for which I wouldn't work. Writing about Intel, I was brutally frank, "Not understanding computers is one of Kasanoff's weaknesses. He plans to learn enough to survive, but no more. He would not do well in a technically-oriented company."

Bear in mind that this was right at the end of the mainframe era. When the Web arrived, my attitudes shifted tremendously. 

Give it a shot. Write yourself a note. 

This is how I closed my paper, and I've used this tool many times over the years:

Kasanoff developed the Grandfather Test, which works like this. When faced with key decisions or opportunities, he puts himself in the position of himself fifty years hence. "Will I be pleased with this decision at the twilight of my life? And on a broader level, will I be satisfied that I lived life to the fullest, that I was wise and brave?"

The Grandfather Test sheds light on Kasanoff's philosophy of life. He is not seeking a perfect life. He just wants to make the most of the opportunities within his grasp, to take full advantage of the gifts that have been given to him.

Bruce Kasanoff helps professionals like you find the right words to advance your career. Learn more at Kasanoff.com.