We all have a future self that we are working towards.

Whether it’s becoming more successful or happier, we all have an ideal vision of who we want to be. But many never take the steps necessary to make this future self a reality. We get bogged down in daily struggles and forget to focus on what we want for ourselves in the long run.

In this relaunched episode, organizational psychologist and author Benjamin Hardy joined me to talk about how you can create the life you want by knowing your future self. Once you know your future self, you can start taking small steps each day toward making those dreams come true! You’ll be surprised at how quickly things will fall into place once you get started.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Know your future self
• Be courageous
• Develop emotional flexibility
• Let your purpose shape your personality
• Invest in your future self

Episode Highlights:

[03:27] Know Your Future Self

Who’s the person you want to be?

Once you know your future self, you can begin to take intentional action. Build an environment around you to create that future self. Knowing your future self gives life meaning and purpose. Invest money in your future self.

[09:42] Being Courageous

Courage is the doorway to change. It may not feel great at the moment, but it fuels you. Start living on purpose. Having a good present means actively working towards a meaningful future.

[12:14] Developing Emotional Flexibility

Practice emotional flexibility to help you handle tough situations. Any negative emotional event can lead to trauma. Trauma shatters your future and ties you to your past. Learn to reframe your emotions. Step out of your comfort zone.

[20:16] Purpose vs. Personality

Don’t overly define your current self. Decide what you truly want. Let your purpose shape your personality. The goal determines your process.

[25:03] How to Stay Motivated

Journal about your future self. Tell people about your goals. Your input shapes your outlook, so find things that will inspire you. Commit to your goals. Invest in your future and create habits.

[33:18] Setting Bigger and Better Goals

There are three sources of goals:

1. Exposure
2. Desire
3. Confidence

Your goals shape what you truly want for yourself. Expose yourself to new things. Find things you want to pursue. Determine what your future self would want. Lastly, build confidence.

Notable quotes from the Episode: 

[09:46] “Courage is the doorway to change.”

[22:39] “The goal determines your process.”

[36:20] “What your future self wants is more important than what your current self wants.” 

Resources Mentioned:

The Mentee Podcast Episode 34

Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl