Will This Matter in 5 Years’ Time?

When faced with a challenge or discomfort, one of the most common phrases we hear is, “Will this matter in 5 years’ time?” This always annoys me! It’s a question that’s often intended to help put things into perspective and, while that might be true, it doesn’t necessarily lessen the weight of what we’re feeling right now.

The present moment is real. What’s bothering us today – whether it’s a tough conversation, a mistake we made, or a sense of overwhelm – feels incredibly important now. Yes, we can take comfort in knowing that “this too shall pass”, but that doesn’t diminish the impact of how it affects us today. And honestly? Sometimes we don’t need to be thinking five years ahead. Sometimes, we just need to sit with what’s happening right now, acknowledge how it’s made us feel, and decide how we want to respond before we move on.

Why We Ask That Question

The question “Will this matter in 5 years?” often comes from a place of trying to gain perspective, to shift our focus, and reduce the intensity of what we’re going through. It's a reminder that many of the problems that feel so overwhelming today might not have the same significance down the line. Yeah, that’s fair enough. But in the moment, when we’re dealing with something that’s painful, stressful, or embarrassing, it’s hard to see beyond the now.

We’re human, and it’s natural for emotions to feel huge when we’re in the thick of it. This is where coaching can really make a difference, by helping you work through the current challenge and find practical solutions that do make a difference now.

Coaching: Focused on Now, and What You Can Do About It

While some methods might encourage looking at the big picture, coaching is rooted in the present. Coaching focuses on what’s happening in your life today – what you’re feeling now, and how you can take positive action right now to move forward. It’s not about dismissing the long-term; it’s about recognizing that change, progress, and personal growth start from where you are now.

Coaching helps you look at what’s within your control, tackle the obstacles you’re facing, and move towards solutions that bring about meaningful change. Whether it's in your personal life, your career, or your mindset, coaching offers tools and strategies to navigate challenges with a solution-focused mindset.

The Reality of the Now

Even if it’s true that a challenge today may not matter in 5 years, the reality is that it matters to you right now – and that’s important. We don’t always have to brush things off and move on immediately. Sometimes, we need to pause, process, and give ourselves permission to just feel what we’re feeling. By doing so, we regain control over our response, rather than letting emotions dictate our actions. The way we handle things now can shape our future. The decisions you make, the actions you take, and the mindset you cultivate today all contribute to the person you will be tomorrow.

Coaching helps you harness that power of the present to shape the life you want, no matter what the future holds.

Are you ready to tackle the challenges that matter now?

If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of how to move forward, coaching can help you find clarity and focus on solutions that make a difference in your life right now. Start with a free chat to explore how a solution-focused approach can support you in navigating your current challenges and creating a path forward.

Reach out today and let’s focus on what’s possible now—and shape the future you want to create.