How to build a relationship with your future self

Hello future!

Today we’re going to learn to build a relationship with our future selves and why it can help.

Now I know what you may be thinking “that’s kinda weird”, but here’s the thing-

Research from UCLA has shown that when you imagine your future self and have a dialog with them, it positively impacts the choices made in the present, particularly when it comes to long term investments and delayed gratification.

In their study, they had participants enter a VR environment where they could see a realistically aged avatar version of themselves, and spent 5 minutes answering questions about themselves designed to build self identity with them, and frame their future selves in a positive light.

Those that went through the experience were more willing to make sacrifices today that would benefit them at some point in the years to come.

Think of your goals - they likely all involve effort and sacrifice now for a better future tomorrow right? So this could help out a lot.

So how do we do it?

The good news is you don’t need fancy VR headset or to hire an actor (though that would be trippy!) - just 10 minutes in a quiet place.

Just prepare some questions, shut your eyes and have a kind conversation with “them”.

As an example - “How are you feeling in 2030?” -> “I feel vibrant, all those years of healthier choices and time on meaningful projects and hobbies - they have given me so much satisfaction and wonderful relationships, and I’m thankful to you for making that possible” etc…

Be warned, this exercise can be quite emotionally powerful for many folks, so make sure you’re in a good place (mentally and physically) before you begin.

And it doesn’t only have to be yourself in 10 years.

It could be yourself a month from now - great way to kickstart healthy eating or new habit.

Having a kind, loving connection to your future self can be a real game changer. If you decide to try this technique, do let me know how it goes!

I’ll be back next time to talk implementation intentions.

ps - there are “aging” apps you can enter a photo to see yourself in the future, which may help with the realism :)