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Future Readiness Means Understanding the Dynamics Surrounding the Present

 As a Futurist many folks ask me how do we do it? Meaning they want a formula that allows them to operate as if they have a crystal ball. Well, it has often been said that future predictions is as much an art as a science. And I agree.
 
The first thing one has to do is have a little bit of history under their belts, committed to memory; both ancient and recent. Next one needs to know the present, especially in the sectors they wish to predict and any industries that will impede or assist upon them. So, let’s take a look at some recent news from February 15, 2009:
 

  • Chinese Investment Tours looking for Real Estate Foreclosures in US
  • Japan’s economy dives 3.5% in 2008 Q4 (worst quarter since 74′)
  • Last Week worst in 2009 for stock market
  • Piper Aircraft to cut 40% labor, already laid off 650 in Q4 2008
  • Chavez won eliminating term-limits for himself – can run indefinitely
  • Global Warming alarmists emboldened by Obama – PR increases
  • GM trading at $2.50/share, BK imminent – soon
  • OPEC threatening a big cut; some nation can’t – OPEC temp. collapse?
  • Some Parents stealing kid’s identity to re-establish crashed credit
  • Cessna launching a positive PR campaign against naysayers
  • Panera Bread profits up
  • Pepsi got slaughters profits down 42%

Next, we need to regionalize our predictions to focus on worthwhile predictions that might serve you locally. Let’s say you live in Hawaii, what is in the news there; on the same date, here is the major news:
 
Hawaii foreclosure rate up 174% in January

Entrepreneurs sell Tours & Maps of Obama’s former home in Hawaii
 
Hawaii to get $678 Million of Stimulus Package
 

  1. - 252M  Infrastructure, Science
  2. -127M  Highway Funding
  3. -257M  Education and Training
  4. -158M  Prevent Education Layoffs, Modernize Schools
  5. -30M Energy Improvements
  6. -125M Children and Poor
  7. -6M  Child Care Services low-income families
  8. -106M Food Stamps
  9. 13M Law Enforcement

If we look closely at the regional news and the national news, we can get a sense of the direction. Predicting the future 1-2 years out is fairly easy in nearly any industry. 3-5 years is a little tougher, but can be done if you fully study trends, cycles, disruptors and colliding sectors.

Please think on this.  

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How To Present A Speaker To The Audience

For most of the time, the host will have to do some introductory speeches before the motivational speaker can go out and play to the stage. It is important that he knows the background and history of the guest in order that the audience can form some idea with regards to the person that will about to enter the scene. A good introduction will properly introduce the speaker and if the achievements of the speaker are good enough, the people will trust him on the spot and it will be a smooth sailing for the guest. And so, the host will have to prepare his introductory speeches beforehand for the best outcome.

If there’s a handing out of invitations before the actual event, it will be a good idea to include the name of the motivational speaker together with some of his top achievements in order to give the invitees some idea regarding what to expect later on. It may even change the mind of those who are not interested with the actual event in case they are a fan of the speaker and are eager to see and listen to what he will say. So, if there’s enough space on the invitation cards, it is recommended to place the name of the speaker on it.

In presenting a speaker to a sports teams or other certain group of people that longs for motivational and inspirational speeches, it is always a good idea to explain why they must listen to him. The host can tell a short story of the speaker’s success, possibly some sort of tale with regards to his journey from nothing to abundance or from nothing to publicity. This will surely inspire a nice percentage from the group and in turn, they will trust what the speaker has about to say.

In conclusion, presenting the speaker to the audience can be done in a lot of ways. Some requires planning a few days before in order to yield the ideal outcome. But, nevertheless, the most important of all is to know all the details about the guest. This is because if the host doesn’t have any idea about the speaker, he will only be able to give out an introductory speeches that are in general and although this is not that bad, it will certainly bore a lot of people because speeches that are in general are typically boring and uninteresting.

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Learn to Stay in the Present

Why is it that we are constantly haunted by both the past and the future, even though they both have no power over the present moment we are experiencing? One has passed, is gone, the other has yet to happen. Yet we barely ever seem to exist purely in the moment, except for the really special moments, like when we are in love or we are experiencing a magnificent sunset. Those moments keep us in the present because in order to fully experience their magic, we must be in the here an now. Aren’t those moments some of the happiest and magical memories you’ve ever had? Wouldn’t you like to experience more? Here’s what I think might help you to spend more time in the moment.

Do the following technique to remain grounded in the present, leave those past and future problems where they belong.

The Present Fix

1. While in the midst of daily life, just stop, and ask yourself, “What can I see now?” A blue sky, children playing in the park, a passing bus. Look around you and see what you notice.
2. Next, ask yourself, “What can I feel?” Walk around and touch things, focus on how they feel, soft, smooth and warm. Drink in the feelings that each object stirs within you and dwell on the feelings.
3. Finally, ask yourself what is happening right now, in this moment.

Whenever you find yourself dwelling on past problems or thinking about the uncertainty of the future, pull your mind back to the present with this “present fix” technique.

Immerse yourself wholly in the present moment and put all your attention and focus on what you are doing right now. One of the reasons that time seems to fly the older we get is because we tend to have more to worry about, and as a result, sadly, we spend more and more time dwelling on past failures and regrets as well as fearing what the future might bring. We rarely spend much time in the present, and when one spends more time in the present, time seems to slow and your appreciation for things grows and you are filled with a feeling of being, of peace. Think about it, as children the summers seem to last an eternity, why is that? The reason is that we have no fear of the future, nor any regret of our past. We live purely in the moment, and that’s why everything is so magical when we are children. Don’t allow past and future to dilute these magical moments in the present. Turn off your phone sometimes, switch on some music, do the above technique. Allow time to slow, and just enjoy the beauty of being alive.

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