Have you ever stopped to think about how your small daily choices shape your future? Maybe it’s skipping a workout, procrastinating on a big goal, or letting fear hold you back. These moments may seem insignificant, but over time, they build momentum—either toward the life you want or one you’ll regret.
If that thought makes you pause, you’re not alone. We tend to live on autopilot, stuck in habits and beliefs that quietly hold us back. The good news is that you don’t have to stay stuck. There’s an exercise that can help you wake up to your life’s trajectory and inspire real, lasting change. It’s called The Dickens Process (also known as The Dickens Pattern), and it’s one of the most powerful exercises for personal growth.
In this article, I want to explore the origins of The Dickens Process, why it works, and how to implement it in your own life. It was an eye-opening experience for me, and I have heard that it has completely altered the trajectory of some people's lives. By the time you’re done reading, I hope that you’ll not only understand this transformative method—you’ll have started using it.
What is The Dickens Process?
The Dickens Process is inspired by Charles Dickens’ classic story, A Christmas Carol. If you’ve read the book or seen one of its many adaptations, you know the plot: Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man, is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. The Ghost of Christmas Past shows him his history, the Ghost of Christmas Present reveals how his actions affect others, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come forces him to confront the bleak future he’s headed for if he doesn’t change.
This journey shakes Scrooge to his core. He sees the painful consequences of his choices and realizes he’s on a path to misery. The next morning, he wakes up transformed—full of joy, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to living a meaningful life.
The Dickens Process takes this concept and applies it to your life. It’s a guided exercise that helps you confront the limiting beliefs and bad habits holding you back. By vividly imagining their long-term consequences, you create a sense of urgency to change. It’s not just about motivation—it’s about a fundamental shift in how you view your future.
Why The Dickens Process is So Powerful
The Dickens Process works because it bypasses logic and taps into your emotions. Most of us know, logically, that certain habits or beliefs aren’t serving us. But logic alone isn’t enough to create lasting change. Real transformation happens when we feel the emotional weight of our choices—and The Dickens Process delivers that powerfully.
Here’s why it works:
It creates clarity. Most people live with vague dissatisfaction but never pinpoint the beliefs or actions causing it. This process forces you to identify what’s holding you back.
It connects to emotion. Visualizing the long-term consequences of your choices stirs powerful emotions like regret, sadness, or even fear—emotions that can drive change.
It empowers you to act. The process doesn’t leave you stuck in the negative. Instead, it shows you that your future isn’t set in stone. You have the power to change it.
Think of it as an emotional wake-up call that pushes you out of complacency and into action.
How to Implement The Dickens Process in Your Life
The beauty of The Dickens Process is that you can do it anywhere, anytime. All you need is a quiet space, a journal or notebook, and about 10-20 minutes of uninterrupted time. However, this exercise is meant to cause some pain, but for good reason. Let’s walk through it step by step.
Step 1: Identify the Beliefs or Habits Holding You Back
The first step is to get brutally honest with yourself. What are the beliefs, stories, or habits that are keeping you stuck? These might include:
“I’m not good enough.”
"I'll always be stuck in this job."
“I’ll start tomorrow.”
“I just don’t have time tow workout.”
“I always fail, so why try?”
Or they could be actions (or inactions), like procrastinating, skipping workouts, overspending, or avoiding important conversations.
Take a few minutes to write them down. Don’t censor yourself. The more honest you are, the more powerful this exercise will be.
Step 2: Project Their Consequences Into the Future
Here’s where the magic happens. Take each belief or habit and imagine what your life will look like if you continue down this path. Be vivid and specific. Let’s break it down by timeframes:
5 Years from Now
What does your life look like after five years of holding onto these beliefs or habits? How has your health, career, or relationships been affected? What opportunities have you missed?
10 Years from Now
Now take it further. How much worse have things gotten? Maybe your finances are in shambles, your health has deteriorated, or you’ve missed out on building meaningful connections.
20 Years from Now
This is the gut punch. Imagine yourself 20 years older, looking back on your life. What regrets do you have? What did these beliefs or habits cost you in terms of happiness, success, and fulfillment?
Write everything down. Don’t hold back. Feel the emotional weight of what’s at stake.
Step 3: Ask Yourself If You’re Willing to Live This Way
Take a moment to sit with what you’ve just written. Are you okay with this future? Are you willing to let these beliefs or habits define your life?
For most people, the answer is a resounding NO. And that’s the point. This moment of clarity is your wake-up call.
Step 4: WAKE UP & Rewrite Your Future
It's time to wake up and face reality. The future you just imagined hasn’t happened yet. You have the power to change it. Take each limiting belief or habit and write down what you’re going to do instead. For example:
“I’m not good enough” becomes “I am capable of learning and improving.”
“I don’t have time” becomes “I will make time for what matters most.”
Write out what your life will look like in 5, 10, and 20 years if you start making better choices today. Visualize the health, success, and happiness you’ll create by taking control of your future.
Step 5: Take Immediate Action
The Dickens Process isn’t just about reflecting—it’s about doing. To solidify your new mindset, take one small action today that aligns with the future you want. Whether it’s going for a run, making a healthy meal, or tackling a project you’ve been avoiding, the key is to start. Momentum builds quickly when you take that first step.
Start tackling bad habits like procrastination, loathing, and addiction. Don't wait to start the good habits until tomorrow either. Start now.
The Transformational Power of The Dickens Process
The Dickens Process isn’t just a mental exercise—it’s a tool for transformation. It forces you to confront the truth about where your life is headed and empowers you to change course. Here’s what makes it so effective:
It creates urgency. When you vividly imagine the consequences of staying stuck, it lights a fire under you to act.
It gives you hope. By rewriting your future, you realize that it’s never too late to change.
It’s actionable. This isn’t just a “feel good” exercise—it’s a framework for real, tangible growth.
Your Future Starts Today
Your life isn’t defined by your past or even your present—it’s defined by the choices you make moving forward. The Dickens Process is your wake-up call, a chance to confront what’s holding you back, rewrite your story, and take action toward the future you deserve.
So, here’s your challenge: Set aside 15 minutes today to try The Dickens Process. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—the time to start is now. Remember, every small action you take is a vote for the person you want to become.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” — Abraham Lincoln
Your future is waiting. Wake up and start building it today.
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