Ten years ago, I penned a blog post filled with hopes and speculations about where I’d be in 2024. Now that we’ve arrived at this milestone, it’s like peering through a time – tunnel. Looking back, I can vividly recall the contours of my life then, and I can almost picture the reactions of my past self to the person I am today. It’s time to dissect those predictions, see how they fared, and then dare to gaze into the next decade by making new forecasts for 2034. I’m also eager to hear your own ten – year visions; who knows, I might even share a few if you send them my way.
In that original post, I reflected on the changes I’d experienced up to that point and noted two overarching themes: the near – impossibility of predicting life’s twists and turns and the pleasant nature of those surprises. Remarkably, these truths have endured over the past decade and, I hope, will continue to hold sway in the years to come.
The 2014 Predictions: A Retrospective
Family
I’d predicted a 90% chance of having a long – term partner and an 85% likelihood of having at least one child. Well, I did find that long – term partner, and interestingly, my prediction about marriage being based on logistical reasons came true. However, I never could have anticipated just how much I would come to cherish the institution of marriage and the value it holds compared to a simple committed relationship. On the other hand, the child prediction missed the mark. Over the past decade, my stance on having children has done a complete 180, shifting from eager anticipation to now thinking there’s only about a 30% chance. I’ll delve deeper into this in my 2034 predictions.
Finances
Financial predictions included targets for net worth and the likelihood of having a “real job.” However, as time went on, I became uncomfortable sharing specific financial details, so I’ll leave those net worth predictions unaddressed. What I can say is that I still don’t have a traditional 9 – 5 job. I also correctly foresaw Bitcoin’s maturation and my continued tendency to live below my means, although I’m not sure I can fully claim the title of minimalist anymore, despite still only wearing two shirts.
Learning
This is where my predictions took a bit of a tumble. I was overly ambitious in my language – learning goals, thinking I’d master at least 5, 20, or even 50 languages. In reality, while I can get by with basic phrases in a few languages, I haven’t come close to those lofty numbers. My attempts to learn to paint, pursue ballet, and learn to fly also didn’t pan out as expected. Ballet was promising until I moved to Las Vegas, where the training quality declined, and my enthusiasm for flying waned once I understood the practicalities of owning and operating a plane.
Renown
My prediction that most people I meet would know who I am is a bit of a gray area. Technically, it could be considered true, but only because I now tend to meet people within my existing circle who are likely familiar with my blog. In the spirit of what I originally intended, though, I was wrong. Since 2013 – 2014, I’ve become less interested in being well – known and have even made choices to reduce my public profile, the opposite of what I’d anticipated.
Random Odds
Some predictions hit the mark, like writing seven or more books (I nailed the exact number!) and the island turning out to be awesome, despite setbacks due to COVID. Others, like the hopes of a record deal or guest track, were dead – on in their low probability assessment, as I did nothing to pursue that dream.
Looking back, I realize that while I had some successes and failures in my predictions, the 2014 post itself was a testament to life’s unpredictability. In the past decade, I’ve experienced a whirlwind of adventures: buying shared properties, learning the Japanese tea ceremony, scuba diving, building CruiseSheet, and so much more. It’s been an incredible journey, filled with experiences I could never have foreseen.
2034 Predictions: A Glimpse into Tomorrow
Personal Goals
I’m almost certain I’ll visit all seven continents by 2034, a prediction I’m carrying over from this year. There’s a 15% chance I’ll invest in more shared properties, though I feel pretty content with my current arrangements. Buying a yacht seems like a 70% possibility, although I might lose interest once the reality sets in, much like with the plane. I’m aiming to become a top 1% pinball player, and with my current dedication, I think there’s an 85% chance I’ll achieve this. I’m 90% confident I’ll still be living in Las Vegas, a city I’ve grown to love and that seems to be constantly evolving. My marriage has been a rock, and I give it a 99% chance of lasting, though I’m leaving a tiny 1% margin for the unexpected. The question of having kids remains up in the air, with a 30% probability, depending on how our priorities shift in the coming years. I’m betting a 75% chance that I’ll still avoid taking any medicine, despite being in my early 50s by then. There’s a 25% shot I’ll invent something used by at least 1000 people, as I’m constantly tinkering with new ideas. I’m fairly confident, with a 60% likelihood, that I’ll be involved in a teahouse, perhaps even opening one in Las Vegas. Writing another book seems like a long shot, with only a 15% chance, but you never know what inspiration might strike during my many cruises. I’m 90% sure I’ll still be blogging, a habit that’s become ingrained in my life over nearly two decades. And I’m setting my sights on learning to paraglide, with a 70% chance of making it happen this summer (fingers crossed). I think there’s a 60% chance I’ll still be living in the same house, though I wouldn’t be surprised if I find a way to expand or transform it.
Global and Tech Predictions
For the more far – reaching predictions, I’m speculating that Ethereum will reach a value of 30 – 40k, and Bitcoin will soar above 150k, though neither will become the global reserve currency. China will have significantly more influence over Taiwan. I’m predicting Trump will be president again, and we’ll see a young president (under 50) as a reaction to recent political trends. Vegas will solidify its status as the entertainment capital of the US. Self – driving cars won’t be mainstream, but most new vehicles will handle highway driving and be electric. AI will seem overhyped in hindsight, yet still a daily part of our lives. The issues dominating the headlines will likely be more financial than social. Paying for internet outside the home will seem absurd, and commercial supersonic flights will become a reality. The stock market will average around 5% annually, and interest rates will dip close to zero again. Work will become more gig – based, with something like an “Uber for tasks” emerging. VR will finally have its breakthrough moment, and traditional relationships will make a comeback. The consumer market will split into two extremes, and we’ll reach a tipping point with renewable energy, though the full realization of a sustainable future might not be clear until years later.
As I lay out these predictions, I’m acutely aware that the future is as unpredictable as ever. But it’s the thrill of the unknown, the surprises that life throws our way, that make the journey so exciting. Here’s to the next decade and whatever it may bring.
