Write to Your Future Self (5 Templates + Delivery Options)

Writing a letter to your future self is a powerful way to document your current reality and set intentions for the person you want to become. It’s a snapshot of your hopes, fears, and values—a message in a bottle sent to the person who knows you best.

What is a future-self letter? A future-self letter is a document you write today to be opened at a future date (e.g., 1, 5, or 10 years from now). It’s a tool for self-reflection, accountability, and connecting your present actions to your long-term goals.

Why Write to Your Future Self?

• Clarify Your Vision: It forces you to think concretely about what you want your life to look like.
• Create Accountability: Knowing your future self will "read your mail" can motivate you to stick to your goals.
• Cultivate Patience & Perspective: It reminds you that growth takes time and that today's problems may look very different in the future.

How to Choose Your Timeframe

• 1 Year: Best for concrete goals (habits, projects, skills). Your life will be different, but still recognizable.
• 5 Years: Ideal for major life transitions (career changes, relationships, personal growth). You’ll likely be in a new chapter.
• 10+ Years: Suited for big-picture values and legacy. This is about the fundamental person you hope to be.

5 Future-Self Letter Templates

1. The Accountability Check-In (1 Year)

Dear Future Me,

It’s [Date], and life feels [adjective]. Right now, I’m most focused on [area of life]. The goal I’m setting for us is to [specific, measurable goal]. I’m starting by [first step]. The biggest obstacle I see is [obstacle], and my plan to overcome it is [plan].

Please tell me we stuck with it. More importantly, I hope you’re [desired feeling, e.g., proud, peaceful, energized].

With love and high hopes,
[Your Name]

2. The Values Compass (5 Years)

Dear Future Me,

Today is [Date]. The values that feel most important to me right now are [Value 1], [Value 2], and [Value 3]. I’m trying to live them by [action/example].

Are these still our core values? Has life challenged them? I hope we’ve made choices that honor them, especially when it was hard. I hope you’re surrounded by people who reflect these values back to you. I hope you feel aligned.

Yours,
[Your Name]

3. The Big Questions (10 Years)

Dear Future Me,

It’s [Date]. I have some questions for you. Right now, I’m wrestling with [big question, e.g., what my purpose is, how to find belonging]. I’m carrying [burden or fear]. I hope you’ve found some peace with this. Did we ever figure out [mystery about life]? Are you happy? Are you kind? Are you brave?

I hope you’ve lived a life that feels like a good story.

All my love,
[Your Name]

4. The Relationship Snapshot (Any Timeframe)

Dear Future Me,

It’s [Date]. Let me tell you about the people in my life. My relationship with [Partner/Friend/Family Member] feels [adjective]. My hope for us is [hope]. The person who challenges me most is [Name], and they teach me [lesson].

I hope you’ve nurtured the important relationships. I hope you’ve let go of the ones that weren’t healthy. I hope you’ve become a better [friend/partner/etc.].

With love,
[Your Name]

5. The "Remember This" Letter (Any Timeframe)

Dear Future Me,

It’s [Date]. Please don’t forget [simple, happy memory]. Remember how it felt to [describe the feeling]. Even if life is hard right now, remember that this joy was real, and it’s a part of our story. Hold onto it.

I hope you’ve collected many more moments like this.

Warmly,
[Your Name]

How to Schedule Delivery

• Digital: Use a service like FutureMe.org to have your letter emailed to you on a specific date.
• Physical: Write a letter, seal it in an envelope with "Do Not Open Until [Date]" written on it, and leave it with a trusted friend or family member.
• In-App: The 12 Letters app allows you to write, save, and lock your Future Self letter (L12) until a date you choose.

When You Receive Your Letter

Opening a letter from your past self is a unique experience. Here are a few tips to make the most of it:

• Read it privately first. Give yourself space to react and process the emotions that come up.
• Reflect on what's changed. Notice where you were right, where you were wrong, and how you've grown.
• Write a reply. Consider writing a short letter back to your past self, acknowledging their hopes and fears and sharing a little of the wisdom you've gained since.

Next Step

Ready to write? Try the guided Future-Self Letter (L12) in the 12 Letters app. It walks you through the process step-by-step.