Draw Your Future Self: Seeing Goals Through a Child’s Eyes with Rachel Rye
When adults think about goal setting, we often think about lists, timelines, and checklists. But kids see the future differently—and Rachel Rye knows that imagination is one of their greatest tools.
Rachel believes that when children draw their goals instead of writing them, something magical happens. They aren’t pressured to “get it right.” They’re invited to dream, imagine, and explore who they might become.
That’s why Draw Your Future Self is one of Rachel Rye’s favorite activities; it turns goal setting into creativity, confidence, and connection.
Why Drawing Works Better Than Writing for Kids
Children ages 4–9 often don’t have the language yet to explain big dreams—but they do have pictures in their minds.
Drawing helps kids:
Express goals without pressure
Visualize growth in a concrete way
Build confidence in who they are becoming
Connect emotions to aspirations
Feel ownership over their future
Rachel says:
“When you draw it, you can see it. And when you can see it, you can start growing toward it.”
How to Do the “Draw Your Future Self” Activity
Step 1: Set the Scene
Give your child paper, crayons, markers, or colored pencils.
Tell them:
“Today, you get to draw yourself in the future!”
You might say:
“This is you at the end of the year.”
“This is you after you’ve learned something new.”
There is no wrong answer—Rachel Rye reminds kids that every future looks different.
Step 2: Ask Gentle, Open-Ended Questions
Instead of asking what they want to be, try asking:
“What is something new you learned?”
“What are you proud of?”
“How do you feel in your picture?”
“Who is with you?”
These questions help kids focus on growth, not perfection.
Step 3: Let the Drawing Lead
Some kids will draw:
Themselves reading confidently
Playing a new sport
Standing up for a friend
Baking something new
Smiling because they feel proud
Rachel Rye loves pointing out that confidence often shows up before words do.
Step 4: Share the Story Behind the Picture
After the drawing is done, ask your child to tell you about it.
Listen closely—this is where the goal setting lives.
You may hear:
“I tried even when it was hard.”
“I made a new friend.”
“I didn’t give up.”
Those moments are the real goals.
Why This Is Goal Setting (Even If It Doesn’t Look Like It)
This activity teaches kids to:
Imagine who they want to become
Understand progress over time
Connect effort to outcomes
Feel hopeful about the future
Rachel Rye believes that goal-setting for kids shouldn’t feel heavy; it should feel hopeful.
“Kids don’t need goals they can measure,” Rachel says.
“They need goals they can feel.”
💛 Parent Tip: Revisit the Drawing Later
Hang the picture somewhere visible.
At the end of the year—or even a few months later—look at it together and ask:
“What parts of this came true?”
“What surprised you?”
“What new things did you try?”
This reflection builds confidence and shows kids that growth is happening—even when they don’t notice it day to day.
✨ Rachel Rye’s Affirmation
“I am growing.
I am learning.
And my future is full of possibilities.”
