About Forge Ahead
Developed by
Cynthia Selin & Ruth Wylie
Financial support provided by
Center for Science and the Imagination
Arizona State University
Editorial support by
Joey Eschrich
Designed by
Nina Miller
This workbook is a practical and imaginative guide designed to help people at all stages of various life transitions (for example, college graduation, career changes) navigate life with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Grounded in the principles of foresight and personal reflection, Forge Ahead invites users to explore the future not as something fixed or predetermined, but as something they have the power to shape—through their choices, values, and goals.
Structured into three key sections—understanding yourself, exploring future possibilities, and taking purposeful action—the workbook blends introspective exercises with strategic planning tools. Participants begin by identifying their personal values, strengths, and priorities, establishing a strong foundation for decision-making. Next, they are guided through a series of foresight-based activities to imagine multiple futures, map long-term goals, and anticipate the impacts of potential choices. Finally, they translate their insights into concrete next steps, crafting a flexible plan that aligns with their personal values.
This workbook emphasizes that foresight is not about predicting the future but about preparing for it creatively and ethically. It encourages users to move beyond traditional career planning, embracing a broader perspective that considers societal trends, personal growth, and community impact.
Whether you’re launching your career, considering a pivot, or simply feeling uncertain about what comes next, this kit offers an empowering framework for thinking long-term, staying grounded in your values, and approaching the future with agency. Through thoughtful prompts and imaginative exercises, we hope you come away with not only a better understanding of your goals, but also a sense of momentum and direction so that you can take the next steps. The future isn’t just something to survive—it’s something to create. This workbook helps make that process intentional, hopeful, and deeply personal.