The Journal of 2020 Foresight

Reports from the Knowledge Labs about our recent findings, research topics, and interviews with lifestyle leaders who are creating their own futures.

How to stimulate your own powers of foresight. Consider the following thought provokers. Ask yourself, in these categories what are the brand new trends and forces? Which are the ones growing in importance? Which current forces are loosing their steam? Which have peaked or are reversing themselves? Which are the "wildcards" about to disrupt us in the future? POLITICAL AND TECHNICAL thought for food: Electronics, Materials, Energy, Fossil, Nuclear, Alternative, Other, Manufacturing (techniques), Agriculture, Machinery and Equipment, Distribution, Transportation (Urban, Mass, Personal, Surface, Sea, Subsurface, Space), Communication (Printed, Spoken, Interactive, Media), Computers (Information, Knowledge, Storage & Retrieval, Design, Network Resources), Post-Cold War, Third World, Conflict (Local, Regional, Global), Arms Limitation, Undeclared Wars, Terrorism, Nuclear Proliferation, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Governments (More/Less Power and Larger or Smaller Scale), Taxes, Isms: Nationalism, Regionalism, Protectionism, Populism, Cartels, Multinational Corporations, Balance of Trade, Third Party Payments, Regulations (OSHA, etc.) Environmental Impact, U.S. Prestige Abroad. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC Food for thought: Labor Movements, Unemployment / Employment Cycles, Recession, Employment Patterns, Work Hours / Schedules, Fringe Benefits, Management Approaches, Accounting Policies, Productivity, Energy Costs, Balance of Payments, Inflation, Taxes, Rates of Real Growth, Distribution of Wealth, Capital Availability and Costs, Reliability of Forecasts, Raw Materials, Availability and Costs, Global versus National Economy, Market versus Planned Economies, Generations: Y, X, Boomers, Elderly, Urban vs. Rural Lifestyles, Affluent vs. Poor, Neighborhoods and Communities, Planned or Organic Growth. Got Knowledge?

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Friday, June 07, 2002

Memo from Basecamp

Chapter One: Basecamp

By Steve Howard, CKO
The Knowledge Labs

Table of Contents
Chapter One: Basecamp
Chapter Two: The Ridge
Chapter Three: The Outpost
Chapter Four: The Tribal Territories

At the time I wasn't getting anywhere. I was stuck. I needed a coach. One that would meet me on my own terms, on my own schedule. I wasn't prepared for what followed.

Journal Entry

"Why is it so difficult to slow down?

To just enjoy a moment of solitude without feeling guilty. Without feeling we are wasting productive time?

And why does it take great amounts of will power to force us to drop the urgent, day-to-day demands which continuously pull us in this direction and that direction, until we are driven to distraction?

When you finally get here, this cabin retreat, with its massive rough hewn timber ceiling, tan and brown stone fireplace, and deep rich brown leather chairs, its warmth and timeless charm immediately smothers you with a comfortable, distant, yet vaguely familiar feeling.

Maybe it's the adventure library full of slightly dusty leather-bound journals.

Maybe it's parchment charts, slightly curled at the edges. Maybe it's the crackling of logs in the orange and red glow of dancing flames. Maybe it's natural motif -- slightly Southwestern, slightly rustic mountain hideaway.

The wind howling outside. The dark green pines swaying and whistling.

Whatever it is, it is the perfect setting to replenish my reserve.

To renew my spirit, redefine myself. To focus on what is important in my life and career. To repurpose and to rededicate myself.

And to answer the question:

If all those other people can do what they love and truly make a difference in their own lives, why do I have to settle for less?

Have I come this far, traveled to this point in my life only to turn my back on what is the highest and best use of my talents in the precious time remaining?

His answer --- Not if you take the time to reflect, to recapture your own dreams, to quietly listen for your own specific purpose in life -- not what someone else wants for you -- or demands from you. Not if you begin the journey to discover or rediscover your own true calling.

I'm eager to interview him, but where is he?

Got Knowledge?
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