Future Perfect Doesn’t Exist
If you’ve looked at your calendar (or outside), you realize that winter is coming in cold and the year is ending.
This time of year always inspires me to go inward, to return to the things that bring me peace and rest, and to actively practice letting go of the things that didn’t go as planned.
It wasn’t always that way.
I used to skate into the holiday season hard and fast on the rails of work and big resolutions for the new year. These questions fed my focus:
What needed to be accomplished so I could feel good about my progress?
What must I wrap up so I don’t have guilt following me like the Ghost of Christmas Future during my time off?
What plans should be made for January so I could hit the ground running?
Reading that last question now makes me shudder.
A few weeks ago, when I was on a self-retreat to plan out my business vision for 2026, I began assembling a checklist of things to do instead of being curious about what I really wanted to accomplish.
Then it hit me with a thud: I was writing my to-do list as a form of control to quiet my mind and feel better about a future that's never certain.
I’m not knocking plans. I make them all the time. Anyone who knows me knows that I often talk about my loathing of “logisticking” and how much time I spend on it.
But the plan isn’t ever the answer.
The list is a loose guideline, as the world will never go according to plan. Attaching to it as an outcome will only cause you friction and suffering.
“Future Perfect” doesn’t exist.
There's no magical moment when everything aligns, and you finally get to feel the way you've been promising yourself you'll feel “once everything is done.”
The peace you're saving for later? The rest you'll take when you've earned it? The version of yourself you'll become when the timing is right?
They're all available to you now. Not after. Now.
The plans are fine. Make them. But hold them loosely.
In the end, what we’re all really after isn't a perfectly executed checklist; it's the experience of living aligned with who we are becoming, today.
As I wind down the year, I’m asking myself these questions and sharing them with you in case they help you, too:
What do I need today? Physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, socially, and for my well-being?
What does peace feel like for me? How can I feel that way now, without doing all the damn things? (hint: generally my answer to this is to take a walk without my technology and box breathe)
What can I let go of so I can actually be here? (you can download my adapted letting go practice here, because letting sh*t go isn’t a one-time event)
The peace you want isn’t at the end of your to-do list, and it doesn’t just happen when whatever you’re filling your time with today is over. The list & situational chaos never end.
Peace is intentional, and it takes time and daily practice to invite it in.
Let yourself be where you are.
Let yourself be who you are.
Let yourself be.
xox, Michelle
P.S. One of my clients recently told me: "I thought I hired you to help me figure out what's next. What I didn't realize is that you'd help me learn how to be okay with not knowing yet. That's been the real gift." Want to coach with me? I’ve opened my 2026 calendar. Let’s chat
P.P.S. My friend, mentor, client, & co-conspirator Racheal Cook and I had a time on her “Promote Yourself to CEO Podcast” recently. If you’ve ever felt like you’re supposed to be further along or you’re doing it wrong because you don’t fit the mold, this one’s for you. Happy listening.
I’m leading a class on being “Intentionally You” for Shine 2026 retreat attendees in Costa Rica. During our week together there, I will also be facilitating follow-up sessions to help us all let go & feel aligned. Want to join? There are only a couple of spaces left!
Want to explore how to work together?
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Seek yourself. Be more you.
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Be who you are. Lead with curiosity & love. The world will respond.
