“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Ferris Bueller
Ah, Ferris Bueller. One of my favourite teenage movies.
The ultimate Gen X hero.
A master of confidence, spontaneity, and seizing the day.
But while skipping school and joyriding in a 1961 Ferrari may not be the best strategy for adulthood (and not that I ever did either of those, of course!), there’s a deeper truth buried in Ferris’s philosophy: Time moves fast, and if you’re not actively shaping your future, you might wake up wondering where it all went.
So, how can you make sure you’re not just coasting through life like Cameron Frye, waiting for something to change?
I’ve been doing training in Future Self Coaching, based on the work of Dr. Benjamin Hardy, so let me break down some of the key concepts, Bueller-style.
1. If You Don’t Take Charge, Life Will Do It for You
Ferris didn’t sit around waiting for permission—he made things happen. Too many of us, though, let life happen TO us. We say, “I’ll get serious about my goals later,” and suddenly, later is now, and we’re still in the same place. The truth is, your future self is waiting for you to step up.
What to do:
– Ask yourself: What does Future Me want? More freedom? Better health? A creative career?
– Take small steps today to move toward that vision. One tiny action beats years of good intentions.
– Don’t wait for the perfect moment—Ferris didn’t check the weather before skipping school. Just start.
2. The Art of Bueller-Level Confidence in Designing Your Best Life
Ferris had a gift: He believed everything would work out in his favor. And somehow, it usually did. Was it luck? No—it was mindset.
Your future self needs you to stop doubting and start acting like success is inevitable. Think about the best version of yourself. Are they hesitant? Full of excuses? Doubtful? No. They’re taking steps, making moves, and *owning it*.
How to channel Ferris’s confidence:
– Reframe your thoughts: Instead of “I hope I can,” say “I am becoming.”
– Act as if Future You is already successful. What would they do today?
– Remember: No one will believe in you more than you believe in yourself.
3. Future You Is Waiting—Don’t Let Them Become the Cameron Frye of Your Story
We love Cameron (and who didn’t also love grown-up Cameron in Succession?), but let’s be real—he spent most of the movie stuck in his own head, paralysed by fear. That’s no way to live. If you keep waiting for permission, keep doubting yourself, keep overanalysing every decision, you’ll end up in the same cycle: frustrated, stuck, and watching other people take action.
How to break the cycle:
– Stop overthinking and start doing—your future self needs action, not excuses.
– Set a clear vision and work backward: What small habit can you start today?
– Quit seeking validation. Cameron waited for someone to push him—don’t make the same mistake.
4. Take Action Today So You’re Not Playing Catch-Up Tomorrow
Ferris squeezed an entire lifetime into one day—parade floats, fine dining, Cubs games. He knew the power of now. The longer you wait to take your future seriously, the harder it gets.
Ferris-Approved Steps for Future Readiness:
– Schedule “Future You Time” – Block out 30 minutes a week to work on your goals.
– Make a Micro-Change – Tiny shifts lead to big results. Start saving $5 a day, writing 200 words, walking 10 minutes. Future You will thank you.
– Cut the “Someday” Mentality – Stop saying “someday” and commit to “today.” (Because let’s be honest—”someday” is just code for never.)
Final Thought: Make Your Future Self Proud
At the end of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Ferris breaks the fourth wall and tells us straight-up: You’re still here? It’s over. Go home.
That’s your cue.
Now that I’m in my 50’s it’s really hit me that life is moving fast, and your future self is waiting. Will they look back and be grateful you took action? Or will they wish you had started sooner?
The choice is yours. But if Ferris taught us anything, it’s that the best choice is always to go for it.
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So—what’s one thing Future You will thank you for starting today? Drop it in the comments!
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