What if your future self held the key to unlocking your leadership potential today?

That question came to life for me recently as I joined James Glover to co-facilitate an Executive Purpose Immersion retreat for senior female leaders in the construction industry. These women are shaping the future of a traditionally male-dominated sector and doing it with clarity, courage, and purpose.

Held over three transformative days in the breathtaking Peak District, the retreat is a deep, immersive experience designed to reconnect leaders with what truly drives them. 

With a curated team of experts including an Olympic sports body specialist, a Michelin-trained chef, and James himself, who brings a wealth of insight from his role as Director of Human Performance and Innovation at a global corporation (alongside his elite sports background) – we explore the full spectrum of what it means to lead with intention, presence, and purpose.

And during one powerful session, something unexpected happened that made me stop in my tracks…

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When Your Future Self Surprises You

One of the most powerful moments of the retreat is a guided visualisation James facilitates. It’s designed to help leaders connect with their 80-year-old selves – to realign their current path with what matters most.

Every time he leads it, I join in. And each time, I’m surprised by what emerges.

The first time I met my 80-year-old self, she was playing tennis.  

The second time……….. the same thing. 

There she was again, racquet in hand, looking fit, vibrant, and surrounded by friends.

The strange thing? My nearly 50-year-old self doesn’t play tennis…………at all!

I remember sharing this with the group and laughing – almost dismissing it.

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Why Tennis? It’s Not About the Sport

As I sat with that vision, I began to understand what tennis really symbolised for me:

• Mental wellbeing – Research shows that racquet sports like tennis can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s and dementia. The combination of hand-eye coordination, movement, and strategy boosts brain health as we age.
• Functional fitness – My 80-year-old self was active, agile, and full of energy.
• Social connection – She wasn’t playing alone. She was laughing and enjoying the company of friends.
  

That was her message to me: keep moving, stay connected, and invest in your long-term wellbeing.

So I listened.

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Taking Action (With a Racquet in Hand)

After meeting her for the second time, I realised I needed to stop ignoring her and start becoming her.

So, I signed up for a tennis class at my local club. And I’m LOVING it. I’m learning, I’m moving, and yes – I’m often laughing at myself.  My tennis serve leaves a lot to be desired. But I’ve never felt more aligned.

Thank you, 80-year-old me. You were right.

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Try It: Visualise Your 80-Year-Old Self

This isn’t just a feel-good exercise. It’s grounded in science.

The practice taps into something psychologists call future self-continuity. Research shows that when we emotionally connect with our future selves, we’re more likely to make choices today that align with long-term fulfilment. (Harvard Business Review article here)

I’ve written previously about the science behind connecting with your future self and how it can transform your decision-making  If you missed it, you can read that blog here for a deeper dive into the research and insights.

Want to try it yourself? 

Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. 

Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths to settle your mind. 

Then imagine stepping into a time capsule that transports you forward in time… to a moment where you get to meet your 80-year-old self.

Observe them closely and gently ask yourself:

• What is your 80-year-old self doing?
  
• Where are they living, and who are they surrounded by?
  
• What habits have they kept up or let go of?
  
• What advice do they have for you today?
  

Pause, breathe, and listen. You might be surprised by what they have to say.

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Becoming Who You’re Meant to Be—One Choice at a Time

Meeting my 80-year-old self reminded me that the life I want to be living in the future starts with the choices I make today.

Playing tennis isn’t just about learning a new skill – I’m honouring her. 

So, what might your future self be waiting to show you? 

P.S. If this story resonated with you and you’re curious about the power of connecting to your future self, I highly recommend exploring the Executive Purpose Immersion retreat. These retreats are truly transformational—and it’s an incredible privilege to be part of the facilitation team guiding senior leaders through this work.