703: Benjamin Hardy | How to Be Your Future Self Now

Future Self

Visualizing one's future self is a powerful tool for guiding present actions. Benjamin Hardy emphasizes the importance of seeing your future self as a completely different person, which can significantly aid in decision-making. He references Dr. Daniel Gilbert's research, which shows that people often underestimate how much they will change over time 1. Jordan Harbinger shares his struggle with this concept, noting that it's easier to remember the past than to imagine the future 2. Hardy suggests that by considering what your future self would want you to do today, you can uncover opportunities you might currently overlook 3.

   

Connecting

Building a connection with your future self can lead to better decision-making today. Benjamin Hardy discusses Dr. Hal Hershfield's research, which highlights the challenge of connecting with our long-term future selves due to evolutionary constraints 4. He explains that being more connected to your future self can create a sense of purpose and meaning in the present 5. Jordan Harbinger shares a personal anecdote about parenting, illustrating how reflecting on future consequences can guide present actions 6.

   

Exercises

Practical exercises can help bridge the gap between your current and future self. Benjamin Hardy suggests setting clear goals and visualizing them to guide deliberate practice, rather than relying on habits alone 7. Writing a letter to your future self is another exercise that can foster this connection, as it encourages you to think about where you want to be and how to get there 8. Hardy shares his own experience with this exercise, noting how it can be both enlightening and entertaining to reflect on past predictions 9.