There is no shortage of movie sequels this summer: Shrek the Third, Oceans 13, Spiderman 3, Pirates of the Carribean, Fantastic Four, Ice Age, 28 Weeks Later, Harry Potter, and Live Free or Die Hard. What is it about a sequel that is so compelling to us as movie goers? It might be familiarity with the main character or characters. We expect them to be the same, yet different — perhaps a little older and wiser, perhaps not, but definitely more complex. Maybe we want to see these familiar characters in new situations and taking on new challenges and adventures. What obstacles will they encounter, what lessons will they learn, and how will they prevail in the end?

It’s said that life imitates art. If your life were a movie, what would happen in your sequel? Close your eyes and imagine that you are writing the screenplay for your sequel. Who are you? What are you doing for work and for fun? Where do you live? Where do you travel? What kind of people do you call your friends? Who is your spouse or significant other? How do you dress? Let your imagination take over! The more detailed, the better.

Fantasy? No, because you are the author of your life. Whether you realize it or not, you created the life you are living right now. So that means you can create the life you want going forward. Grab a pen and paper and get busy writing your sequel. Be bold, let your imagination run free, and go for it!