Why I Wrote FutureU: Forging a Path to Your Most Heroic Self
Introduction: A Journey of Transformation
When I sat down to write "FutureU: Forging a Path to Your Most Heroic Self," I had one goal in mind: to revolt against the tyranny of the urgent and attend to the important.
I’ve wanted to make accessible in book form some of my favorite principles for developing self-aware leaders. Then 30 years went by and I still hadn’t done it.
I’ve got no regrets, though. My kids will never complain about a dad who wasn’t there. Instead they’ll roll their eyes about a dad who was always around, maybe a little too much. My wife and I have survived almost 40 years of marriage. Sometimes I look at my life and think, “You’re an idiot.” Then, I look at her and think, “Man, you really are smart.” No regrets investing in her, my kids, my family.
In most of the important things, I’ve attended to the important things. But when it comes to my ideas, I’ve been happy to give them away to others and/or to just let them disappear into the mist of the past. Sometimes important things get ignored because they don’t seem urgent enough.
Well, the important and the urgent have melded.
I believe I’ve created a guide that will help you unlock your most fulfilling life. If you’re a coach, mentor, or employer, it will help you help others. This book is a culmination of years of personal reflection, professional experience, and a deep desire to help others overcome the challenges that hold them back. But why did I feel compelled to write this book? And who is it really for? In this article, I will explore the motivations behind "FutureU," the pain points it seeks to address, and the unique mechanisms and processes it offers as pathways through these challenges.
Who I Wrote the Book For
"FutureU" is for anyone who feels stuck, unfulfilled, or lost in their current life situation. It is for the ambitious professional who, despite external success, feels a void within. It is for the creative soul whose talents remain untapped and dreams unfulfilled. It is for the reflective individual who constantly seeks meaning and purpose in a world that often seems chaotic and directionless. In essence, this book is for those who know that they are capable of more but need a guide to help ground them to reality and release them to possibility.
The Pain Points the Book Seeks to Relieve
1. Feeling Stuck and Unfulfilled: Many people go through life feeling trapped in their current circumstances. Whether it's a career that doesn't excite them or a personal life that lacks direction, this sense of being stuck can lead to profound dissatisfaction. "FutureU" seeks to address this by helping readers identify their true passions and chart a course towards a more fulfilling future.
2. Self-Doubt and Limiting Beliefs: Self-doubt is a powerful force that can cripple progress and prevent individuals from reaching their goals. Limiting beliefs, often ingrained from a young age, further compound this issue. My book aims to dismantle these barriers by providing tools and exercises that foster self-confidence and a growth mindset.
3. Lack of Clear Goals and Vision: Without clear goals and a vision for the future, it is easy to drift aimlessly. "FutureU" offers a structured approach to goal-setting, helping readers articulate their aspirations and develop actionable plans to achieve them.
4. Need for Personal Transformation: Many people yearn for a profound personal transformation but are unsure where to start. This book provides a basic framework for self-discovery and growth, guiding readers through a transformative journey.
5. Desire for Community and Support: Isolation can make personal growth challenging. "FutureU" emphasizes the importance of community and support networks, encouraging readers to connect with like-minded individuals who can provide encouragement and accountability.
Unique Mechanisms and Processes in FutureU
1. The Quantum Self Concept: At the heart of "FutureU" is the idea of the Quantum Self, which represents the multiverse of potential within each individual. You are a “multiverse within yourself.” Yes, I did. I quoted myself. This concept helps readers recognize and unlock their limitless potential, encouraging them to explore the many possibilities that lie within.
2. The Becoming: The Becoming is a process of transformation that involves facing and overcoming internal and external obstacles. It positions readers between their current state and their envisioned future, guiding them through the challenges that lie in between. By navigating The Becoming, readers can develop resilience and discover their most heroic selves.
3. Polaris - Your North Star: Finding and following one's higher purpose is central to the journey outlined in "FutureU." The concept of Polaris, or the North Star, helps readers identify their guiding purpose, providing a sense of direction and meaning that drives every decision and action towards their most heroic self.
4. Gratitude and Mind Sculpting: Transforming one's mindset is crucial for personal growth. "FutureU" introduces techniques for cultivating gratitude and reshaping the mind, allowing readers to create a positive and empowering mental framework that supports their journey. In these section of the book, I offer r essential elements for your “mind sculpting” medicine bag.
5. The Eagle’s Ascent: This process helps readers recognize and actualize their potential, similar to an eagle realizing it is not a prairie chicken. Through visualization exercises and affirmations, readers learn to break free from limiting beliefs and rise to their true capabilities.
6. Integration of Traditional and Modern Practices: "FutureU" uniquely combines traditional practices like meditation, prayer, journaling, and breath work with modern psychological insights and techniques. This holistic approach ensures that readers have a comprehensive toolkit for personal transformation.
Conclusion: Your Path to FutureU
Writing "FutureU: Forging a Path to Your Most Heroic Self" was a deeply personal and rewarding experience. It allowed me to distill the wisdom and insights I have gathered over the years into a guide that can help you achieve your dreams. This book is not just about personal development; it is about embarking on a journey of profound transformation and becoming the best version of yourself. I invite you to join me on this journey and discover the hero within you. Together, we can forge a path to a brighter, more fulfilling future.
Alexander McManus is the founder of the International Mentoring Network, author of "FutureU: Forging a Path to Your Most Heroic Self," and a passionate advocate for personal growth and transformation. Through his book, coaching, and online courses, he helps individuals reset their intentions and rise to the challenges that lie ahead.
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