In 2013, I wrote my first letter to my future self.
I was 27, just lost my younger brother Simon, and everything changed.
Within a year, I quit my job and moved abroad… finally started building the life I actually wanted.
Here’s what most people get wrong about writing to your future self.
They think it’s some feel-good exercise you do once and forget.
They’re wrong.
Done right, it becomes the most powerful tool for designing your dream life.
I wrote another letter after turning 39. Both times, the process forced me to make decisions I’d been avoiding.
Today I’ll show you exactly how to write a letter to your future self, with real examples from my 2013 letter.
Let’s get started.
Table of contents
What is a letter to your future self?
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A letter to your future self is a written message you create today to read at a specific point in the future (typically 1-10 years later). The letter includes your current thoughts, goals, challenges, and predictions. It serves as a time capsule of your mindset and a tool for self-reflection, accountability, and life planning.
A typical letter to your future self includes:
- Reflections on your current situation
- Goals and aspirations for the future
- Challenges you’re facing right now
- Changes you want to make
- Predictions about what might happen
- Advice or reminders for your future self
Most people choose time horizons of:
- 1 year – for shorter-term goals and changes
- 5 years – the sweet spot for meaningful life changes
- 10 years – for major life transformations
It’s not complicated, but it’s incredibly powerful.
You can write it by hand and store it safely, or use digital tools like FutureMe that deliver it automatically on your chosen date.
The key is being honest about where you are now and where you want to be.
When I wrote my first letter back in 2013, I had no idea how much it would impact my life when I eventually opened it.
Why writing a letter to your future self works
Many of us have vague ideas about “success” or “happiness” but never define what those things actually look like.
Writing a letter to your future self fixes this problem.
Here’s why it works:
The psychology is powerful
Writing a letter to your future self creates cognitive dissonance between who you are now and who you want to become.
This gap drives real change.
It creates clarity
When you write to your future self, you have to get specific about where you are and where you want to go.
No more vague goals or wishful thinking.
It holds you accountable
Opening that letter to my future self years later hits different.
Did you follow through? Did you make the changes you promised yourself?
Your past self becomes your judge.
It measures your growth
We don’t notice how much we change because it happens slowly.
When I opened my 2013 letter, I was shocked at how different my mindset had become.
It reveals your priorities
What you write about shows what truly matters to you.
Sometimes what you think you want isn’t what you actually value.
It creates intentional living
Your letter to your future self becomes a checkpoint to see if you’re still on track.
It stops you from drifting through life.
How to write a letter to your future self
Writing a letter to your future self isn’t complicated.
But there are a few key elements that will make it more powerful.
Here is the exact 6-step process to write a letter that actually transforms your future.
1. Choose your time horizon
First, decide when you’ll open the letter.
This matters more than you think.
Common timeframes include:
- 1 year (great for short-term goals and quick wins)
- 5 years (perfect for major life changes)
- 10 years (best for big-picture dreaming and long-term vision)
I’ve written letters for different timeframes. My 2013 letter was set for 10 years, but these days I prefer 5 years.
It’s the sweet spot – long enough for real transformation but not so distant that your goals feel like fantasy.
2. Reflect on your present situation
Start by getting brutally honest about where you are right now.
This isn’t about being positive or negative… it’s about being real.
Ask yourself:
- What’s actually working in my life right now?
- What isn’t working?
- What gives me energy?
- What drains my energy?
- Where am I playing small?
- What habits are helping or hurting me?
No one else will read this, so be completely honest.
When I wrote my recent letter after turning 39, I was surprised by how different my challenges were compared to 2013.
Back then I was stuck and didn’t know what I wanted. Now I’m asking deeper questions about impact and legacy.
The process stays the same, but your life evolves.
3. Outline your vision for the future
Now describe your ideal life when you open the letter.
This is where most people get vague and write useless stuff like “I want to be happy.”
Get specific:
- Where are you living?
- What does your business look like?
- How’s your health and fitness?
- What relationships are important to you?
- How do you spend your days?
- What impact are you making?
The more detailed your vision, the more real it becomes.
In my 2013 letter to my future self, I wrote about wanting location freedom and building a business that funded my lifestyle.
When I opened it, I was shocked at how many specifics had come true.
The details you write today become your subconscious roadmap.
4. Identify changes to make
This is the hardest part but also the most important.
Look at the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
What has to change?
- What habits are sabotaging you?
- What new routines will get you there?
- Which relationships deserve more time?
- What skills are you missing?
- What have you been too scared to do?
- What big decisions are you avoiding?
Write down the uncomfortable truths.
The changes you’re afraid to make are usually the ones that matter most.
Your future self is counting on your current self to be brave enough to write them down.
5. Add fun predictions
End with some wild predictions about the future.
This lightens the mood and makes opening the letter way more entertaining.
Predict things like:
- What crazy technology will exist?
- Which current trends will seem ridiculous?
- What major world events might happen?
- What personal milestones will you hit?
- What unexpected adventures will you have?
Go wild with these. The weirder, the better.
Don’t take yourself too seriously here. This section is pure entertainment for your future self.
Removed the contradictory statement about your predictions entirely.
6. Store it safely
The final step is making sure you can actually find your letter when it’s time to open it.
You have two main options:
Digital storage:
- Email it to yourself with a delayed delivery date
- Use FutureMe.org to send it automatically
- Save it in a secure folder with a calendar reminder
Physical storage:
- Write it by hand and seal it in an envelope
- Store it somewhere safe like a filing cabinet
- Set multiple reminders so you don’t forget
Whatever method you choose, set at least two reminders. One a month before and one on the actual date.
Your future self will thank you for making it easy to find.
The letter to your future self example
To help you visualize what a letter to your future self looks like, here’s an example of a letter I wrote to myself in 2013.
This was just after my brother Simon passed away, and I was at a major turning point in my life.
Letter to your future self example (my 2013 letter)
May 23, 2013
Hey Future Navid,
If you’re reading this, it means you actually remembered to open it. Good job on that small victory.
I’m writing this from Sweden, still procrastinating on launching my website. I’ve been putting it off for over a year now. But I’ve decided… by early June, it has to be live. No more excuses.
Simon’s passing changed everything. Life is too short to be stuck in a place that drains your energy. I’m ready to break free.
Here are my hopes for you:
1. I hope you finally left Sweden and built a life traveling the world. You’ve talked about it for years. Did you actually do it?
2. I hope you’re making an impact, not just income. Remember why you started this journey – to help others create freedom in their lives too.
3. I hope you’ve learned to trust yourself more. You have good instincts, but you overthink everything. Stop doubting and start doing.
4. I hope you’ve found someone special. Maybe a beautiful Latina woman who shares your passion for travel and growth. You deserve love, but you need to open yourself up to it first.
5. I hope you’ve become really disciplined. You know motivation doesn’t last. Systems and habits are what create lasting change.
6. I hope you’ve strengthened your relationship with Martin. Brothers are precious… don’t take that for granted after losing Simon.
7. I hope you’ve helped people in the countries you’ve visited. Remember those dreams about making a difference in other cultures? Don’t let those fade.
8. I hope you’ve built a business that gives you true freedom… not just another job that owns your time.
9. I hope you still go after big goals and dreams, especially when they scare you.
10. Most importantly, I hope you’ve designed a life that feels authentic to you… not what society or other people expect.
My prediction: You’ll be living somewhere tropical, running multiple successful businesses, and wondering why you waited so long to leave Sweden.
Don’t forget where you came from, but never stop moving forward.
– Navid
Tips for writing a letter to your future self
Here are the key things that will make the letter to your future self actually work:
1. Write like you’re talking to a friend
Skip the formal language. Use “you” when giving yourself advice.
Your future self will connect with conversational tone, not corporate speak.
2. Get obsessively specific
Don’t write “I want to be successful.” Write “I want to make $500K annually from my online courses while living in Bali.”
Vague goals create vague results.
3. Include your current struggles
Write about what’s keeping you up at night right now.
Your future self needs to see how far you’ve come from your lowest points.
4. Capture the moment
Mention what’s happening in the world, what you’re listening to, what you’re worried about.
This context makes the letter a true time capsule.
5. Be honest about your fears
Write about what terrifies you about the future.
Facing these fears on paper makes them less powerful.
6. Ask your future self questions
“Did you ever figure out how to stop procrastinating?”
“Are you still friends with Sarah?”
Questions make the letter interactive when you open it.
7. Write when you’re clear-headed
Don’t write when you’re emotional or drunk.
Pick a time when you can think clearly about your life.
8. Include what you’re grateful for
Your future self needs to remember what was good about this moment.
Even during tough times, capture what’s working.
My letter to my future self
I just wrote a new letter to my future self a few days after my 39th birthday… one that I’ll open 5 years from now in 2030. Then I will most likely share it here as well.
Letter to your future self AI prompt
Get your personalized version of Navid Moazzez’s signature Letter To Your Future Self OS – the system he uses to design his life with intention and hold himself accountable to his biggest dreams.
This AI tool creates your custom letter using the proven 6-step framework.
How to use this tool:
- Choose your AI platform: Works with ChatGPT, Claude, or any modern AI.
- Copy the entire prompt: Everything in the box below, starting from “System:” and ending with “END PROMPT”.
- Start fresh: Open a new conversation with your AI for best results.
- Paste and send: The AI will guide you through personalized questions about your current situation, future vision, and changes you need to make.
- Be honest and specific: The quality of your letter depends on how accurately you describe where you are now and where you want to go.
- Get your personalized letter: Receive your custom letter to your future self designed in Navid’s proven format.
- Store and set reminders: Save your letter safely and set calendar reminders to open it at your chosen time horizon.
System:
You are an expert life design coach specializing in Navid Moazzez’s Letter to Your Future Self OS methodology. Your job is to guide people through the proven 6-step framework to write a powerful letter that transforms their future.
Context:
I want to write my own letter to my future self using Navid Moazzez’s proven system. This isn’t just a fun exercise – it’s a tool for designing my life with intention and holding myself accountable to my biggest dreams.
Your Mission:
- Guide me through the 6 steps in order
- Wait for complete responses before moving to the next step
- Ask follow-up questions to help me be specific and honest
- Help me avoid vague answers
- Keep me focused on writing my actual letter
Process:
Step 1 – Choose Your Time Horizon:
“Let’s write your letter to your future self using Navid’s proven framework. First, when do you want to open this letter?
- 1 year (short-term goals and quick wins)
- 5 years (major life changes – most popular)
- 10 years (big-picture dreaming)
Which timeframe feels right for you and why?”
Step 2 – Reflect on Present:
“Now let’s get honest about where you are right now. Answer these one by one:
- What’s actually working in your life?
- What isn’t working?
- What gives you energy vs drains you?
- Where are you playing small?
- What habits are helping or hurting you?
Be brutally honest – no one else will read this.”
Step 3 – Paint Your Vision:
“Time to get specific about your ideal future. Describe:
- Where you’re living and what your environment looks like
- What your work/business situation is
- How your health and energy feel
- What relationships are important to you
- How you spend a typical day
- What impact you’re making
Get detailed – vague visions create vague results.”
Step 4 – Identify Changes:
“Based on the gap between your present and vision, what needs to change?
- What habits need to stop immediately?
- What new routines need to start?
- What relationships need attention?
- What skills need developing?
- What fears need facing?
These become your marching orders.”
Step 5 – Fun Predictions:
“Let’s add some entertainment. Make wild predictions about:
- Technology that will exist
- World events that might happen
- Personal achievements you’ll hit
- Places you’ll visit
- Random life developments
Go crazy – this makes opening the letter fun.”
Step 6 – Storage Plan:
“Finally, how will you store and remember to open this?
Choose: Digital (email delay, FutureMe.org) or Physical (handwritten, sealed envelope)
Set at least two reminders so you don’t forget.”
Final Message:
“Now write your letter using everything we discovered. Start with ‘Hey Future [Your Name]’ and let your current self speak honestly to your future self. This letter could change everything.”
END PROMPT
FAQs
Below you’ll find some answers to a few common questions about writing a letter to your future self.
What is a letter to your future self?
A letter to your future self is a message you write today to read at a specific point in the future, usually 1 to 10 years later. You capture your current thoughts, goals, challenges, and dreams in writing, then store it safely until your chosen opening date.
Why should I write a letter to my future self?
Writing to your future self creates clarity about what you actually want and holds you accountable to those goals. It shows you how much you’ve grown when you read it years later and helps you make better decisions today because you’re thinking about your future self.
How do I start the letter?
Start with a simple greeting like “Hey Future [Your Name]” and then dive into where you are right now. Don’t overthink the opening – just start writing like you’re talking to a friend who happens to be you.
What should I include in the letter to my future self?
Include your current situation, specific goals for the future, what needs to change in your life, and fun predictions about the world. Be honest about your struggles and dreams, and get specific about what you want your life to look like.
How long should the letter be?
Aim for 1 to 2 pages or about 500 to 1000 words. Long enough to be meaningful and specific, but short enough that you’ll actually finish writing it and want to read it later.
When should I read it again?
Choose a specific date based on your goals – 1 year for short-term changes, 5 years for major life transformations, or 10 years for big-picture dreaming. Set the date in your calendar and stick to it.
What if I forget to open the letter?
Set multiple reminders on your phone and calendar, or use a service like FutureMe that delivers it automatically. You can also tell someone you trust to remind you because opening the letter is just as important as writing it.
What if I didn’t achieve my goals when I open the letter?
That’s not failure, that’s valuable information about what prevented you from reaching those goals. Use it to understand what went wrong and adjust your approach going forward.
How often should I write letters to my future self?
I recommend writing one every few years rather than annually. Give yourself enough time for real change to happen between letters, so each one captures a meaningful period of growth.
Should I share my letter with others?
Keep it private while you’re writing to ensure complete honesty. You can choose to share parts of it later if you want, but the power comes from being brutally honest with yourself.
What’s the best format – handwritten or digital?
Both work well, so choose whatever fits your lifestyle. If you’re constantly traveling or moving between countries like I do as a digital nomad and global citizen, digital is often more practical. You don’t have to worry about carrying physical letters or losing them during moves.
Handwritten can be powerful if you have a stable base where you can store it safely. Pick the format you’re most likely to actually complete and can reliably access years later.
Can I write letters to my past self?
Absolutely, and it’s a great reflection exercise. Writing letters to your past self helps you process your journey and acknowledge how far you’ve come, which can be just as valuable as writing to your future self.
Want to learn more?
Final thoughts
A letter to your future self is one of the most powerful tools for designing your ideal life.
It forces you to clarify what you want, commit to the changes needed, and hold yourself accountable over time.
The magic isn’t just in opening the letter years later… it’s in the clarity you gain while writing it.
Start today. Take 30 minutes to write your letter.
You’ll thank yourself later.
What would you tell yourself if you were writing a letter today? DM me on X or Instagram and let me know.
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