Future Mirror

Navigating Change with Intention and Depth

Nov 12, 2024

We are witnessing change at unprecedented speed. The older I get, the more fascinated I become by what is happening now and how that impacts Human Connection.

This week, during my knee rehab, I made my first revolution on the bike since my surgery. It took seven and a half weeks to achieve that. I accomplished this by rotating my knee backward, not forward. I learned from Scott (my Physical Therapist) that this is the natural mechanism for how a leg regenerates its range of motion.

It was the “pull” of my leg. Not the “push” of my leg. The mechanics of pulling were superior to the power of pushing. That is also the principle behind designing a strategic narrative. It is the power of pulling someone towards you versus the natural inclination to push your message onto others.

November 5, 2024, represents a change in direction. That was the date of my last newsletter and the day America voted for a change in direction. So, I must also change to adapt to this new course. I will maintain my Midwest values, general sense of optimism, and overall resilience to thrive in changing conditions. But, I must change never-the-less.

As of this edition, Now New Next will become a beacon for those who seek to understand the shifting landscape of technology, society, and personal growth—all while building resilience for the long haul.

Rather than just observing the latest trends, Now New Next will focus on cultivating the wisdom to approach these shifts as part of a lifelong journey. Each section becomes a step in that progression, inviting you to reflect, prepare, and act.

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I will effectively pursue the famous quote, "The map is not the territory," which is a powerful metaphor that highlights the difference between our perception of reality and reality itself. Polish-American scientist and philosopher Alfred Korzybski introduced this concept in 1931 and has since become a fundamental principle in the field of general semantics.

This will become my legacy. I am not sure what that means at the moment. But, together, we will dig into the "map" that represents our mental models, beliefs, and understanding of the world while attempting to decipher the "territory" that is the actual reality.

“In our chaotic abundance of information, we now have a scarcity of clarity.” ~ Ana Agladze, PMP, client of Spatial Shift by Tobin.

NOW (Realizations and Reflections for Today)

NOW will have immediate, introspective thoughts that provide grounding and an invitation for you to reflect. This is the foundation—the daily mindfulness that builds resilient, long-term perspectives.

NEW (Learning and Experimentation for Tomorrow)

NEW will explore emerging ideas, not as novelties but as seeds of change that require discernment and strategic integration into one’s life. You will be encouraged to experiment while staying conscious of your long-game priorities.

NEXT (Visions for Future Possibilities)

NEXT is the horizon. By examining recent big themes like “agency,” “counterbalance,” and “human connection,” you will come to imagine the world you are actively contributing to over decades. In other words, playing for the long game.

THE PAYOFF

Now New Next will emphasize informed urgency—a life built on immediate action that serves a purposeful, resilient future. It’s a call for action grounded in wisdom, encouraging readers to shape their lives with an eye on both the present and the distant horizon.

Each edition will culminate with a thought-provoking excerpt or concept that acts as a “future mirror,” inviting you to assess where you are heading and reconnect with a balanced, grounded purpose.

Every Now New Next newsletter will continue to feature Narrative Mosaics to illustrate the expression of a future mirror - blending the ancient craft of mosaic with the emerging magic of Generative AI (GAI).

‘We look at the present through a rear-view mirror, so that we march backwards into the future.” ~ Marshall McLuhan

Follow me on LinkedIn. Or DM at tobin@spatialshift.com for more information.

If you are seeking a way to optimize your relevance in a changing world, book a free consultation with me, and let's consider the possibilities.

My work has raised a collective $1B+ for the companies I have worked with over the last 10 years. And, I have helped dozens of companies and executives to find their narrative voice. More importantly, I help companies and executives to listen to their own voices and to realize it is about the pull and the push that matters most.