Principle 12: Act As If
Last quarter, the Book League tackled Jack Canfield’s The Success Principles™. You know—the Chicken Soup for the Soul guy. Let’s be real: this book is massive. Sixty-seven principles? It’s not for the faint of heart. Luckily, the Book League isn’t one of those “rush through the pages” clubs; we actually take the time to chew on the work.
During our first session, I asked the group what they wanted to prioritize. Almost unanimously, the answer was in Principle 12: Act As If.
The concept is a “Millionaire Cocktail Party”—a role-playing exercise where you socialize as if you’ve already achieved every single goal you’ve set. Right then and there, we committed: we were going to finish the book and then show up as our Future Selves.
Tonight was that night.
The Setting: The Lexington, a 75-year-old dining tradition on Summit Hill in St. Paul. None of us had been there, and it seemed to fit the bill for the sort of place that millionaires might dine.
Leading Up to the Party
My day started at physical therapy for a shoulder injury (icy falls are no joke) and ended at a mani/pedi appointment. Sitting in that chair, I started to wonder: When does the role-play actually begin?
As a creative entrepreneur hitting the 50-year-old mark, I’ve felt a bit disenfranchised with what “aging gracefully” is supposed to look like. I’ve outgrown old heroes, and the path ahead doesn’t have many footprints. If I’m going to “Act As If,” who exactly am I acting as?
This image was shared by a friend on Facebook yesterday. It was a new take on the answer I had been looking for.
I went home, ironed my pants (I never iron), and realized my favorite formal shirts were all sleeveless, meaning the black kinesiology tape on my shoulder from my PT appointment was going to be front and center. I decided Future Sarah wouldn’t hide it—she’d have a better story for it.
The Drive: Authenticity vs. The "Act"
On the hour-and-a-half drive to St. Paul, I got into character. What would Future Sarah drive? Honestly? Probably the Fiat convertible I already own (once I get it out of the barn and buy a battery). Or the Mazda 3 I’m currently driving, which I specifically asked my mechanic to find me because my research told me it was a solid, reliable ride. Twelve years later, I’m anticipating the joy of watching the odometer roll over 400,000 while still getting over 30 miles per gallon—smart, steady, and a touch of Gen X defiance—no glitter, all grit.
Then I thought about how a “millionaire” would greet her friends. I flashed to Sex and the City scenes and immediately felt a wave of “nope.” It felt disingenuous. I didn’t want to put on “charm” for my people. I just wanted to be me—the me I already am, just… further along.
I told my friend Monica, who was running late: “Make up a fabulous excuse.”
It was during that drive that it hit me: I was already living my Future Me life.
The Dinner: Where the Magic Happened
I arrived first. Walking toward The Lexington, my pace was somewhere between country lackadaisical and Chicago hustle. It felt right. I skipped the rooftop patio for the classic main dining room to get the full “millionaire” effect.
When Jeannine arrived and asked about the PT tape on my shoulder, I was ready. I told her I made a dive for a shuttlecock during a high-stakes badminton match at “The Lodge” with my granddaughter while on a recent family vacation. Jeannine and I were conspirators, laughing and swapping stories about our fictitious travels and house-decorating stints.
But as the night progressed, something unexpected happened. Our conversation kept shifting back to our real stories. And guess what? The real stories were more interesting. They fit better.
The Big Takeaway
I went into this thinking we’d unlock some hidden “high-achiever” alter ego. I thought we needed to find the version of ourselves that was “more likely to succeed.”
What I actually learned: Future Me is already here.
I have the family, the farm, the wardrobe, and me- just the way I am. Sure, I’d like the St. Paul apartment for Twin Cities getaways and a few book tours under my belt, but those are just goals. They aren’t pieces of me that are currently missing.
That’s the power of the Book League. We don’t just read; we experiment. We realize that being your own boss means being your own person—completely and boldly—right now.
Want to huddle with us for the next one?
We’re diving into Think and Grow Rich next. Come explore who you’re becoming (and realize you’re probably already them).
