Episode 53: From Now to Next: Creating a Long-Term Business You’ll Love
How to Build a Business That Serves Your Future—Starting Now
In March 2020, I was an elementary school teacher finishing my National Board Certification in the middle of a global pandemic. I was burnt out, overworked, and committed to a vision that no longer aligned with the future I wanted. That’s when my life coach asked me one question that changed everything:
“Where do you see yourself five years from now?”
It was such a simple question. But I froze.
Because in all my planning and productivity, I hadn’t looked far enough ahead. I hadn’t truly asked myself what kind of life I wanted—or how my current choices were (or weren’t) getting me there.
Fast forward to today, five years later: I run a thriving coaching business, I work from home, I have the time and financial freedom I used to dream about. I’m engaged, I’ve helped hundreds of women build businesses of their own, and I’m preparing for motherhood in the near future.
And it all started with that one question.
In this blog, I want to share how to build a business that actually serves your future—and how to stay grounded when things don’t go according to plan.
Step 1: Get Clear on Your 5-Year Vision
Let’s start where I did—with your five-year future. Ask yourself:
Where do I want to be five years from now?
What does my business look like?
What does my day-to-day life feel like?
What kind of freedom, income, impact, or lifestyle do I want?
Take a moment to write this out. Be specific. Don’t just say “I want to be successful.” What does success look like? How much are you earning? Who are you helping? What’s different in your personal life?
If your current path won’t lead you there, it’s time to recalibrate.
Step 2: Make Present-Day Decisions from a Future Perspective
Once you have that five-year vision in mind, it’s time to ask:
What would the future version of me be doing today?
What decisions would she be making?
How would she handle the challenges I’m facing now?
When I think about my future self—the version of me who’s a mother, running a million-dollar business, living in a home she loves—she shows up differently. She has strong boundaries. She prioritizes what matters. She doesn’t spin in indecision.
So I act like her now.
That’s how we become who we want to be—not someday, but step by step, decision by decision.
Step 3: Prepare for Detours and Double Down
Here’s the truth: Things will not go as planned.
I thought I’d be married with children by now. Instead, I went through a breakup, moved back in with my parents, and started over in love—and in business.
But here’s what I did not do: I didn’t give up on the vision.
I doubled down.
Because sometimes your timeline shifts, but the vision stays. And in that gap between expectation and reality, you get to grow.
Sometimes things go worse than expected. Sometimes better. Either way, your job is to keep moving toward the future you want—and keep solving for the next right step.
Step 4: Get Support and Systems in Place
None of this happens in a vacuum.
Since starting my business in 2020, I’ve made over $800K in less than five years—and I’ve gotten support every step of the way. Coaches, mentors, systems, community. I didn’t try to “lone wolf” it. And I don’t want you to either.
If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, surround yourself with people and structures that support your vision—not distract you from it.
Final Thoughts: You Are the Architect of Your Future
Whether you’re just starting your business or scaling into your next level, I want to remind you of something:
Your future isn’t something you wait for.
It’s something you build.
The life you want—freedom, income, purpose, impact—is not just a dream. It’s a direction. And if you stay committed to that direction, take intentional action, and give yourself the support you need, you will create it.
I’m living proof.
You can be, too.
Ready to Start Now?
If you want help building the future version of your business—and yourself—I’d love to support you inside Marketing Systems: my new 12-month coaching experience to help solopreneurs grow a sustainable, simple, and successful business.
We kick things off with the 10K in 90 Days Workshop on Monday, April 7th, and it’s just $10 to join.
📌 Click here to sign up and take the first step toward your five-year future.