By: Zvi Schichter

I have yet to invent a time machine. Be it a British phone booth “bigger on the inside”, a super computer backed chamber in a lab somewhere or a freakish hot tub at a vacation resort. Well, I don’t plan on building one anytime soon, but I do believe that I, as well as you, posses time traveling capabilities never-the-less.

I do believe that you can, with little training, an open mind-set and some elastic thinking, harness the power of your mind and ride your thoughts into the future. Whether you do it to improve your well being or that of your loved ones. Perhaps you wish to develop yourself spiritually, or benefit yourself financially. If anything, do it out of curiosity or simply do it to get through life.

I remember buying a small condo back in 2007, barely able to afford the down-payment and deeply concerned about the area, its potential appreciation or G-d forbid, depreciation. When I shared these thoughts with my Father he said in a heart beat, “you should buy two units, not one”, I giggled in disbelief. Ten years later the “small” one plus den mid-town condo has doubled in value and is an investment property gem. My Father, an accomplished time traveler himself, was able to jump forward in time and realize the potential in that transaction, ten years into the future.

Hindsight is twenty-twenty and the obvious fact now is that was a great investment. But the challenge is not evaluating our past action knowing what we know today, but rather deciding what action to take today, while anticipating the future or better, our future selves. I travel in both directions, to the past and to the future. Into the past to evaluate my action back in time with 100% certainty of how things turned out. But more intriguing is traveling into the future having educated myself about past experiences and checking in on what I believe my future holds.

Sit back on your couch or recliner, close your eyes, sip down some wine or other relaxing drink, let your mind sink into deep thoughts and pay your-2028-self a visit. Once you’ve arrived in the future it is very important that you be extremely attentive to all details and collect as much information as possible. Look around you, take in what you see, who you meet, how you feel. If its not too spooky for you, role play and talk to your future self. Ask him or her questions and answer those questions like you were talking to an old friend who knows you well, knows you best. Speak with this friend who is older, wiser, and take notes, as these would serve you as important “cheats” from the future.

The beauty in time travel is that it provides you with insight into any aspect of your life. It may help answer questions such as, where in life you want to be? Who you see yourself becoming? Who you wish to be with? And if you’re lucky, help you understand your goals and true purpose in life. You will gain a fresh perspective that may surprise you, re-prioritize your way of thinking and change your conduct today. Your bonus would be a 5 or 10-year head-start and a clearer vision of where you are heading.

I remember during one of my travels, my future self, made me aware that in his world our Father was no longer alive. This was not a surprise to me, as Father was terminally sick in the present. However, hearing the news from the future rattled me and made me sad. At the same time, I was happy to realize that in the present Father was still alive, I could chat with him, or get-together spontaneously for a snack. Our time together was to be celebrated and every moment treasured, while still possible.

We are impulsive, emotional beings. We are obsessed with the now and the instant. Time travel whether longer into the future or for shorter jumps may serve as an antidote for that. It allows you to detach from a momentary situation, gain a broader perspective, deliver a thought through response and carry out more effective goal oriented action. This is not a new concept, businesses forecast years into the future, folks plan their retirement. A good chess player would anticipate many moves in advance and diligently, follow a plan to deliver a well earned victory.

Have you taken the time to plan your own future? is your “check mate” in sight?

In your time travels you will gain some amazing insight about your life, yourself today and your future self. Remember to maintain a balance between living in the now and preparing for your marvelous future. Be cautious with your planning. While you have some control over your future, many factors will remain unexpected and left to chance. Calculate for the un-calculable and be reminded of the Yiddish proverb; “Der Mentsch Tracht und Gott Lacht”, Man Plans and G-d Laughs.

Happy Time Travel.

Zvi Schichter,
Managing Partner – Forest Hill Richmond Hill
Mortgage Broker, Loan Central / RMA Lic.#10464
[email protected] (647) 557-7389