Future Orientation: A Conceptual Framework

To paraphrase the dialogue between Alice and the Cat, it is their constructed image of the future that directs individuals when each of them – like Alice – ponders “which way I ought to go from here?” And it is the “where you want to get to” that guides their behavior, but not all of it. Because, just as future orientation is about where one wants to get and the ways she or he ought to go, it is also about destinations one fears to reach and routes she or he should avoid. Moreover, as research reported in this and subsequent chapters shows not all future thinking is goal directing; some of it – like Alice’s “-so long as I get somewhere” – consists of future images that do not aim at or lead to specific plans, goals, or hopes.

“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”

“That depends a good deal on where you want to Get to” said the Cat

“I don’t much care where-” Said Alice.

Then it doesn’t matter which way you go” said the Cat.

“-so long as I get somewhere” Alice added as an explanation

“Oh, you’re sure to do that” said the Cat, “if you only

Walk long enough.“ Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland