Writing in Future Past

We lack frequent usage of the future past tense in modern discourse.

When I was recently drafting my new year resolutions, I noticed the use of ‘I can’, and ‘I will’, and found myself questioning the format, especially when I see that I’m good at making promises, but end up being miserable at keeping them.

I also observed that when I write “I achieved…” instead of “I will achieve..”, I can bypass the doubt and uncertainty that often comes with future planning.

In fact, Sapir-Whorf hypothesis talks about language having an incredible affect on the way we perceive reality. If that’s the case, can we force our minds to envision success as an accomplished fact, rather than a mere possibility? Whatever we think we “will achieve”, what if we have “already achieved it”, and are imagining the journey in retrospect?

This is future past tense.

The best example that could illustrate this future past tense effect is the ‘A Letter’.

Benjamin Zander, conductor of Boston Philharmonic Orchestra gave an innovative “Grade A” assignment to his students. Before the term started, students would describe what they did to earn the A grade, and who they became by the end of the year.

Tired of students holding themselves back in a musical interpretation class for fear of judgement and how they would eventually be graded, Ben invented the practice of Giving them an A:

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“Each student in this class will get an A for the course…However there is one requirement you must fulfil to earn this grade: Sometime during the next two weeks, you must write me a letter dated next May, which begins with the words “Dear Mr. Zander, I got my A because…” and in this letter you are to tell, in as much detail as you can, the story of what will have happened to you by next May that is in line with this extraordinary grade”

Conducting Artistry https://www.conductingartistry.com/post/giving-an-a-how-to-immediately-embody-who-you-want-to-be

The format was in the form of a letter dated in the future describing their accomplishments in the past tense. Here is an example from one of the students who had originally attended Zander’s classes and had written it this way:

11 May 2021

Dear Ben,

I got an A because I went on a challenging and rewarding journey of learning how to be fully myself. Before, I was afraid to share my artistry, opinions and self with the world. I hid from uncomfortable things, and ran away from making others uncomfortable too.

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I realised this fear was holding me back, so I decided to ditch it!

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Now, I am fully myself in the world and in my music-making. I’m not afraid to show people who I am and what I believe. I am unapologetic about what I have to share. I know that I have a unique and valuable contribution to make.

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I am able to fully express myself and all my emotions, rather than running from them or stuffing them away. Now I speak honestly, unflinchingly, and listen openly to others.

I am certain and confident of my value to myself and to others. I stopped judging myself, and let go of my fear of discomfort and mistakes. In fact, I now embrace mistakes as a vital part of growing and learning.

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Each day I wake up enthusiastic about learn something new. In the past I was daunted, but now I am excited! I jump into scores with curiosity and wonder at what I will discover. I know that each minute I spend brings me closer to understanding the musical gift a composer has entrusted to me.

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…

Conducting Artistry https://www.conductingartistry.com/post/giving-an-a-how-to-immediately-embody-who-you-want-to-be

I’ve been attempting to use Zander’s A Letter format to write down notes on what I have done for my year ahead (very counter-intuitive). Will be sharing some updates on this if I notice any signs of improvement. After writing this up, I’m highlighting the “prophecies” which have already been realised, and it seems like a fun exercise.