Future...
Work for today, plan for tomorrow.
Strategic planning is similar to driving a car: You need to pay attention to activity right over the hood, you must be aware of what is in the rearview mirror, and you should keep an eye down the road to monitor what you are approaching.
By looking ahead you assure plans are visionary versus reflective, aspirational rather than safe. In fact, when presenting a positioning or brand strategy to employees and channel partners you want them to hesitate and wonder if what you are shooting for is achievable; and then upon further consideration, be excited by the challenge and opportunity.