Taking steps forward can be scary, and it’s normal to ask yourself, “Am I making the right choice?”
This breakdown of future orientation gives you a simple process to help take steps forward, helping you feel more confident as you move ahead.
Written by Katie Boushall
Reviewed by Daniel Gonzalez
Feeling overwhelmed by life’s decisions is something many people experience. While having support from others is important, some decisions must be made on our own. IndeKnow aims to make this easier by providing tools and tips to help people become more psychologically independent.
IndeKnow’s approach is based on a study called Factors Influencing Psychological Independence in Adolescents and Their Relationship to Coaching-Based Support from Significant Others. Japanese researchers Mikiko Oda and Shin-ichi Yoshioka conducted this study to show how important psychological independence is for teenagers during their development from childhood to adulthood. This study highlights the critical importance of building a strong foundation of psychological independence for a healthy adulthood. By examining the key components of psychological independence, individuals can identify areas in their lives where they can enhance their independence, leading to better decision-making and overall well-being.
Oda and Yoshioka measure psychological independence using four key categories:
IndeKnow is launching a series called “Building Psychological Independence” to break down each component. Each part of this series is called an “insight.”
IndeKnow’s insights are short, data-driven pieces designed to make complex ideas easier to understand and apply in everyday life. This particular insight explores the meaning of “future orientation,” helping you understand how looking ahead contributes to psychological independence.
Psychological independence means being able to make your own decisions confidently. To make choices, you need to plan ahead realistically. “Future orientation” is about understanding what you do now affects your future. It’s the ability to think ahead and see the connection between present actions and future outcomes.
When someone exercises future orientation, they gain a clear understanding of their current situation, both internally and in their environment. This awareness allows them to think about what steps they can take next to improve their future. With this understanding, they can take the necessary actions to move toward a better future.
To fully understand future orientation, let’s break it down into three parts:
Part 1: Grasp the Present
Understand your current situation, including your feelings and surroundings. For example, right now, can you name the sensations in your body and identify one of the emotions you are experiencing? Look around and name a few objects in the room. If you are sitting, feel the seat supporting your body. If you are standing, notice the pressure in your feet from the ground holding you up. This basic sensory information increases awareness of your inner experience and environment, helping you stay grounded in the present moment. This awareness is the foundation for effective planning and future orientation.
Part 2: Think About the Future
When you have a strong sense of future orientation, you can envision various outcomes by reflecting on your current observations and aligning them with your values. This ability allows you to explore various possibilities for your future. By envisioning these potential paths, you can make informed choices that align with your goals and values. This forward-thinking mindset is crucial for taking meaningful steps toward the future you desire.
Part 3: Take Action
After reflecting on different possibilities for your future, it’s time to decide on a specific action you can take right now to help you get there. When you have strong future orientation, you combine your awareness of the present with your imagination to make proactive choices. Once you’ve envisioned a future possibility, you can take concrete steps to move forward. This approach allows you to navigate your life in a way that aligns with your goals and the reality around you.
Together, these three steps form a powerful process for developing and exercising future orientation.
To develop a strong sense of future orientation, start by grasping the present: recognize your feelings and surroundings to increase your awareness and stay grounded. Next, envision various possible futures based on your current observations and values, allowing you to make informed choices. Finally, take proactive steps based on your reflections and plans, combining your present awareness with your imagination. This approach helps you navigate your life in a way that moves you toward the future you desire.
Oda, M., & Yoshioka, S.-I. (2021, January 15).Factors Influencing Psychological Independence in Adolescents and Their Relationship to Coaching-based Support from Significant Others. National Library of Medicine . https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7902167/
