Google the future

- Have you considered what your industry will look like in 10 years? 20 years, 30? Believe me, it seems far away now, but it's a lot closer than you think. Staying ahead means being prepared today, and you can start by doing that by googling it. Search for your industry and a future year, like banking 2035 or healthcare 2040, and read through the variety of future-focused headlines, articles and forecasts. You're going to be surprised (laughing) by all that you find. Expand your research and include videos and Reddit forums. Find presentations by adding PowerPoint to your search terms or looking at all the videos and audio that appear in your results. You're going to see future emerging trends, potential challenges, breakthroughs that could shape your industry. I mean, think of these trends as clues to the future and give you new insights on potential new products, technologies or shifts in consumer behavior that are important to know. Use these insights when you're considering new goals or doing your strategic plans for the coming year. When you regularly conduct trend searches like this, you can anticipate strategies and boost future thinking. When you stay informed and you're adaptable, you shift from being a participant in today to a driver and leader of shaping tomorrow.