According to this hypothesis, how we see ourselves in the future has a big impact on how we behave, make decisions, and eventually turn out in life. Making sacrifices now for a better tomorrow, having short-term ambitions, or struggling with procrastination the relationship between our current and future selves is essential to navigating life.
Understanding the Future Self
A person’s motivation and behavior in the present are influenced by their ability to envision oneself in the future and the extent to which they can relate to that envisioned selves. According to research, people who have a strong sense of connection to their future selves are more likely to take actions that will help them in the long run, such as putting money aside for emergencies, improving their health, or going to college.
Furthermore, those who see themselves as strangers in the future have a tendency to prioritize immediate gains above long-term advantages. This gap causes these individuals to act in ways that compromise their future well-being, such as procrastinating, making rash purchases, or ignoring their health.
Neuroscientific insights: How we perceive the future self
Studies employing fMRI scans have revealed that when people think about their future selves, their brains can activate in similar ways to when they think about someone else entirely. This has added further support to the theory of future selves. It is far simpler to give in to present desires than to postpone fulfillment in order to reap rewards in the future, which can be explained by the neural gap that exists between the present and the future selves.
However, there is increased activation in the brain regions linked to self-referential processing when people actively participate in activities like vision boards, which require them to vividly see their future selves. This indicates that a person may make better decisions that are in line with their long-term objectives by developing a closer relationship with their future selves.
Instigating Change with Your Future Self
Setting goals and modifying behavior are two of the most useful uses of the Theory of Future Self. This idea is used in many programs meant to enhance self-control and future-focused actions. For example, it has been demonstrated that detailed visualisation of one’s future self—including appearance, place of residence, and the outcomes of present actions—increases motivation for long-term objectives
This method may be very helpful in areas like education, health, and financial planning. In one study, individuals who viewed their own artificially aged photos were more inclined than those who simply saw their current photographs to save aside money for retirement. Similarly, better adherence to good diets and exercise routines was observed by those who imagined themselves as healthier in the future.
Consequences for Individual Development
Individuals who comprehend the Theory of Future Self are better able to make deliberate and well-informed judgments. We may establish a conceptual framework that motivates us to do actions that are consistent with our long-term objectives by strengthening our relationship with our future selves.
Regular reflection on our aspirations is one approach to deepen this relationship. This may include keeping a diary, making a vision board, or deciding on specific, doable objectives. By doing this, we turn the future version of ourselves from a vague idea into a real, driving force behind our actions today.
In summary
The Theory of Future Self emphasises how deeply our behaviours in the present are influenced by our perceptions of the future. Our relationship with our future selves is vital in determining our fate, since it influences everything from long-term financial responsibility to the promotion of healthy behaviors. We may utilize this psychological understanding to make better decisions now that result in a more successful and satisfying future by strengthening our connection to who we will become.
References
Bartels, D. M., & Rips, L. J. (2010). Psychological connectedness and intertemporal choice. Journal of Experimental Psychology General, 139(1), 49–69. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0018062
Hershfield, H. E. (2011). Future self‐continuity: how conceptions of the future self transform intertemporal choice. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1235(1), 30–43. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06201.x
Hershfield, H. E., Goldstein, D. G., Sharpe, W. F., Fox, J., Yeykelis, L., Carstensen, L. L., & Bailenson, J. N. (2011). Increasing saving behavior through Age-Progressed renderings of the future self. Journal of Marketing Research, 48(SPL), S23–S37. https://doi.org/10.1509/jmkr.48.spl.s23
Jd. (2023, October 1). What is Future self? Sources of Insight. https://sourcesofinsight.com/what-is-future-self/
McCue, R., McCormack, T., McElnay, J., Alto, A., & Feeney, A. (2019). The future and me: Imagining the future and the future self in adolescent decision making. Cognitive Development, 50, 142–156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogdev.2019.04.001
Rutchick, A. M., Slepian, M. L., Reyes, M. O., Pleskus, L. N., & Hershfield, H. E. (2018). Future self-continuity is associated with improved health and increases exercise behavior. Journal of Experimental Psychology Applied, 24(1), 72–80. https://doi.org/10.1037/xap0000153
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