Making Adjustments: Aligning Your Life’s Trajectory with Your Future

Have you ever had the feeling that you’re on a path, but it’s not quite the right one? You’re moving forward, but the destination doesn’t match the future you envision. This is where the transformative power of making adjustments comes in.

An adjustment isn’t a radical, overnight change. It’s a small, intentional shift that brings your current path into closer alignment with your aspirations. It’s about using gratitude for where you are now as a foundation for gracefully and deliberately shaping your future.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a seemingly wide gap between your reality and your dreams, we can approach this journey with a simple framework. This process is designed to give you clarity and empower you to take meaningful action, one small adjustment at a time.

Step 1: Your Present Trajectory

The first step is to get a clear, honest look at where you are right now. This is your present moment. What does your life look like today?

• Career: Are you feeling fulfilled or just getting by?
• Health: How are your daily habits for your physical and mental well-being?
• Relationships: Are your connections with family and friends strong and supportive?
• Personal Growth: Are you learning and challenging yourself in new ways?

Take a moment to reflect on your current trajectory without judgment. Acknowledging your starting point with gratitude—for the lessons learned, the strength gained, and the resources you have—is the key to moving forward with a positive mindset.

Step 2: Your Future Trajectory

Now, let’s look ahead. This is your envisioned future. What does your ideal life look like, and what kind of person are you in that life?

• What values are you living by?
• What does a typical day look like for the future you?
• What goals have you accomplished, both big and small?
• How do you feel—energetic, peaceful, inspired?

This isn’t about creating a perfect, unattainable image. It’s about creating a clear and compelling vision of a future that genuinely excites you. A solid vision acts as a compass, guiding every adjustment you make.

Step 3: Possible Adjustments

With a clear view of your present and your future, you can now identify the possible adjustments needed to bring you closer to your desired trajectory. These adjustments are not about abandoning your current path but about course-correcting it.

Think of it this way: a massive ship doesn’t make a 180-degree turn in an instant. It makes small, precise adjustments that, over time, change its entire direction. Your adjustments can be just as subtle but powerful.

Examples of Adjustments:

• If your trajectory is a demanding job and your desired future is more free time: An adjustment could be to schedule a 30-minute walk at lunch, rather than working through it.
• If your present path is inconsistent with health goals: An adjustment could be to replace one sugary drink a day with water.
• If you want to feel more connected to your family: An adjustment could be to put your phone away during dinner, just one night a week.

These small, consistent adjustments add up. They are the daily decisions that, over time, close the gap between who you are and who you want to become. The journey starts with a single, intentional step.

What’s one small adjustment you can make today to bring yourself closer to your envisioned future?