7 Life-Changing Questions to Help You Reimagine Your Future

- Danielle

Have you ever felt like you’re living a life someone else wrote for you?

Maybe you’ve checked all the right boxes—career, family, success—but something inside you whispers, “Is this really it?”

At Black Sheep Co., we believe these moments of questioning aren’t breakdowns. They’re breakthroughs. They’re your true self trying to get your attention.

I have a beautiful framed quote beside my bed that a friend made for me. It says, “Your life is your story. Write well. Edit often.”

It’s a great reminder of two things. First, I’m in control. I’m writing this story—that is, if I write it intentionally. If I don’t write it intentionally, it’s being written for me, probably according to some mixture of ideas, beliefs, advice, and examples that give me my concept of a “life plan.” I end up only checking the boxes, instead of writing it how I want to. 

Second, change is not just possible in life—it’s welcomed. It’s what makes things interesting. I have the power to edit whenever I want. 

It’s an empowering concept, but it can also feel overwhelming sometimes. I mean… what do I even want? 

It’s difficult to imagine something outside of what you have. It’s why so many people stay in their patterns. The unknown is… unknown! We don’t even know what lies outside our comfort zone much of the time. 

So, how can we combat this inertia and move toward the future we truly want, rather than the one laid out before us? 

It starts with daring to ask different questions. The best way to start is by answering each of these seven questions truthfully, carefully, and with a lot of reflection (maybe even some input from others!)

The 7 Questions 

Here are 7 questions that can help you break free from old patterns, reconnect with your authentic self, and begin shaping the future that’s waiting for you.

1. What lights me up, even when no one’s watching?

Forget external rewards. What activities make you lose track of time?

These are signals pointing you toward your purpose, not distractions from it.

Black Sheep Insight: You don’t need permission to love something. You just need to do it.

2. When do I feel most myself?

Is it when you’re hiking alone, brainstorming new ideas, helping someone grow?

Notice the environments, people, and activities that let you breathe easiest. That’s where your authentic self lives.

Black Sheep Insight: You don’t have to become someone new. You have to come home to who you already are.

3. What old stories about myself am I ready to let go of?

Maybe it’s “I’m not creative.” Or “I always mess things up.”

Old stories were built for old chapters. You’re writing something new now.

Black Sheep Insight: You can outgrow the labels you never asked for or no longer want.

4. If fear weren’t a factor, what would I do differently?

Fear disguises itself as “logic” or “realism.”

Strip it away. What’s the brave answer?

Black Sheep Insight: Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s moving forward with fear strapped in the passenger seat.

5. What does success look and feel like to me now?

Not five years ago. Not according to your LinkedIn bio.

Right now. Today.

Black Sheep Insight: Redefining success is one of the most radical acts of self-trust.

6. Where am I being called to grow (even if it’s scary)?

Discomfort can mean danger—or it can mean expansion.

Notice where your soul feels a little restless. That’s often where the magic begins.

Black Sheep Insight: Growth often feels like standing at the edge of a cliff. But it’s usually a doorway, not a drop-off.

7. What future version of me is quietly asking for a chance?

Listen closely.

There’s a version of you that’s braver, freer, and more fulfilled.

They’re not a fantasy. They’re a possibility.

Black Sheep Insight: Your future self is counting on you.

Stop Planning and Start Being—Today

Here’s one of my biggest hang-ups when it comes to imagining the future—I’m a planner. I crave a good plan. But then I constantly overcomplicate the plan and lose sight of it immediately. 

But the thing is, starting toward your future doesn’t have to be complex. You don’t need a 10-year plan.

All you need is a moment of clarity and the courage to take the very first step. After that, you just need to continue to create momentum (we do that by celebrating wins, talking through challenges, and being accountable to a group). 

If you’re ready to stop chasing someone else’s definition of success and start living by your own, we invite you to join us in Authentic You.

It’s a 6-week program designed to help you reconnect, reimagine, and rebuild from a place of deep authenticity, all while creating that strong momentum.

[→ Learn more and join us.]