The Five Words That Define Your Future

Your five words aren't a mere description; they are a prediction of your future.

The bush I call mine – Picture taken by Soso Mweendo

Stop for a moment. Think about who you are at your core. If you had to choose just five words to describe yourself, what would they be?

This isn’t a party game or a job interview exercise. This is about understanding the blueprint of your character, the foundation upon which your entire life is built. The words you choose reveal not just who you are today, but whether you’re on the path to the success you dream about.

The Mirror of Self-Perception

Your five words are a mirror. They reflect your values, your priorities, and most importantly, your trajectory. Are your words passive or active? Do they describe what you feel or what you do? Do they focus on how others see you or who you’ve decided to become?

Let me show you what I mean.

Consider someone who chooses these five words: Affable, Generous, Reliable, Driven, Diligent.

Look closely at this combination. The first three words—affable, generous, reliable—speak to character and relationships. This person understands that success isn’t built in isolation. They know that being pleasant to work with, giving freely of themselves, and showing up consistently open doors that talent alone cannot unlock.

But notice what comes next: driven and diligent. These aren’t passive traits. These are the engines of achievement. Being driven means having direction, ambition, and a fire that won’t let you settle. Being diligent means you don’t just dream; you execute. You show up when motivation fades. You finish what you start.

This combination reveals someone positioned for genuine success. They have the interpersonal skills to build networks and earn trust, combined with the work ethic and determination to capitalise on opportunities. This person doesn’t just want success; they’re willing to earn it, one consistent action at a time.

What Do Your Words Say About You?

Now it’s your turn. Write down your five words. Be honest. Don’t write the words you wish described you or the words that sound impressive. Write the truth.

Once you have them, ask yourself:

Do your words lean toward relationships or results? You need both. Success requires collaboration and execution.

Are your words about who you are or what you do? Identity is important, but action changes everything.

Do your words show consistency or chaos? Reliability, discipline, and persistence are often more valuable than raw talent.

Is there energy in your words? Words like “driven,” “passionate,” “determined,” “curious” suggest momentum. Words like “content,” “easygoing,” or “flexible” might mean you’re comfortable—perhaps too comfortable.

The Hard Truth

If your five words don’t excite you, if they don’t paint a picture of someone you’d bet on, then you have a decision to make. You can either change your words by changing your actions, or you can accept that your current trajectory leads exactly where your current character is taking you.

Success isn’t an accident. It’s the inevitable result of who you consistently choose to be. Your five words aren’t just a description; they are a prediction.

So ask yourself: based on these five words, where will you be in five years? If you don’t like the answer, you know what needs to change.

Choose your words. Then become them. Then watch what happens next.

Are you ready for a quiz based on your words? Let me know in the comments below because your interest will make a difference.