This web site is the result of several years of research conducted toward a PhD. dissertation in Personal Futures. My interest in personal futures began while I was in the Master's program in Studies of the Future at the University of Houston Clear Lake. I became aware that although business and government had been using futures methods for decades, there was little evidence of these methods being used by individuals. The early part of my research revealed that the primary barrier to individuals was the complexity of the research process, the process of collecting information in order to create scenarios. The intent of the research and the dissertation was to reduce that complexity and enable individuals to make effective use of futures methods.This site is intended to help individuals like youreself to understand and prepare for the future.

In order to stay current and active in the Futures community, I am a member of the Association of Professional Futurists (www.profuturists.org), the World Future Society (www.wfs.org) and the World Future Studies Federation (www.wfsf.org). I also have contributed to sections of the Shaping Tomorrow web site(www.shapingtomorrow.com) and written articles for journals, books and other publications including FO/futureorientation, Futures Research Quarterly, Foresight, and The Futurist.

 I have been speaking to large and small  groups in the U.S. and overseas, and have been well received, at least judging from audience enthusiasm, participation and questions. I have developed a comprehensive workbook, specifically for short (one hour) and long (full day) workshops, either for individuals or for businesses. If you are interested in attending or organizing a workshop, please contact me at (verne@personalfutures.net). I also speak on a number of topics related to the future.

If you would like a FREE PDF copy of the latest version of the Personal Futures Workbook, go to the "Downloads" page, listed at the bottom of this page. 

If you want to read about my research that led to the development of concepts about personal futures, you are welcome to a PDF copy (Free) of my dissertation. Just go to the "Downloads" page listed at the bottom of this web page. This will be a PDF file, which reduces the file size substantially. The first chapter summarizes the dissertation and results, the second chapter offers a foundation in futures studies literature and the sixth chapter details the conclusions from the research. A copy of the original workbook is in the appendix.

If you would like more information about personal futures or about this web site, please email me at verne@personalfutures.net