Nurture a Friendship with Your Future Self: Harnessing the Power of Self-Connection
Since my early childhood, I have maintained a regular journaling habit that closely resembles writing letters to a dear friend – my Future Self. Even though I haven’t met her yet, I write to her as if she has known me all my life. A few years ago, I even started documenting daily decisions that I believed my Future Self would be grateful for. This practice not only significantly improved my mental well-being, but it also made me curious about the underlying neuroscience behind its efficacy. Recently, I came across an enlightening article in New Scientist that delved into the extensive research conducted by Hal Hershfield, a professor at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management and author of the book “Your Future Self.”
Hershfield’s work emphasizes the transformative benefits of cultivating a sense of closeness with our Future Selves and acknowledging the potential differences between our Present and Future Selves. According to his research, this perspective shift leads to making better life choices, such as establishing regular exercise routines and refraining from unlawful behavior. Individuals who develop this connection with their Future Selves also report higher levels of well-being, improved financial management, and better academic performance.
At first glance, this concept may seem obvious, but its simplicity shouldn’t undermine its profound impact. The truth is, as humans, we often struggle to consider our Future Selves, being inherently present-oriented. The tangible nature of the present, coupled with our tendency to prioritize immediate emotions and physical sensations over rational thinking, often makes the future seem abstract and distant.
This present bias is not only evident in our personal lives but is also skillfully exploited by marketing techniques and sensationalist news headlines. Marketers understand that triggering emotional responses in consumers leads to impulsive purchases, and even the news industry strategically employs language that elicits strong emotional reactions to attract readers. It’s no wonder that we find it challenging to adhere to diets or stick to our New Year’s resolutions when we are so fixated on the present moment.
To unravel the mysteries of our brain’s response to future thinking, Hershfield conducted intriguing studies using neuroimaging techniques. In one study, participants were asked to associate words with either their Present or Future Selves, as well as with well-known actors, while their brain activity was monitored using fMRI. The results revealed decreased activity in the regions associated with self-reflection, memory, and emotional processing when participants contemplated their Future Selves. Surprisingly, the brain responses when thinking about the Future Self resembled those when thinking about unfamiliar celebrities, indicating a lack of familiarity with our own future identities.
Another study conducted by Hershfield and his team employed virtual reality technology to enable participants to interact with artificially aged versions of themselves representing their Future Selves. Comparisons were made between individuals who engaged with their Future Selves and those who encountered their Present Selves. Those who interacted with their Future Selves displayed a significantly higher inclination to save money, as observed in their responses to hypothetical financial decisions. This suggests that visually perceiving our Future Selves renders the concept more tangible and triggers empathy towards both our Future and Present Selves.
Building a strong connection with our Future Selves also sheds light on certain behavioral patterns and personality traits. Procrastination, for instance, is a telling sign of disconnection from our Future Selves. Research suggests that individuals prone to procrastination prioritize immediate gratification over overcoming the emotional hurdles associated with a task, thus compromising their ability to achieve long-term goals. Procrastination is intricately linked to negative emotions and a lack of future-oriented thinking, and it can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health.
Fortunately, procrastination is not an immutable trait; it is a mindset that can be changed. By cultivating self-compassion and adopting more positive thinking patterns, individuals can break free from the vicious cycle of procrastination. Interestingly, studies indicate that individuals who possess self-compassion are less prone to feeling guilty about procrastination, and instead, they engage in it less frequently.
Moreover, Hershfield’s research reveals that those who foster a relationship with their Future Selves tend to exhibit humility and act ethically. This finding highlights the profound impact that connecting with our future identities can have on shaping our values and behaviors.
In our current context, both individually and collectively, this research bears immense significance. Decades of neglecting future considerations have led us to confront critical global issues such as climate change. However, it is essential to strike a balance between present enjoyment and future planning, avoiding excessive fixation on the future, which can hinder our ability to live fully in the present.
By actively considering the needs and aspirations of our Future Selves, whether it’s starting a project in advance or completing mundane tasks before bedtime, we initiate small yet impactful positive changes in our lives. After all, who better to rely on and support us than ourselves?
This shift in mindset sets off a positive feedback loop. When we undertake tasks in the present that we know our Future Selves will appreciate, we experience a sense of fulfillment and relief when those tasks are completed. Consequently, we are motivated to continue helping our Future Selves, leading to a continuous cycle of personal growth. Although changing our thinking patterns requires commitment, consistency, and self-compassion, the rewards are undoubtedly worth the effort.
