Be Your Future Self Now
Become your future self today through identity design
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Time to result
- ~months to results
- Steps
- 5
- Confidence
- 97%
Instead of waiting to 'become' your future self, this framework teaches you to embody that identity now. Your behaviors follow your identity, so by clearly defining and committing to a future self, you create a filter for decisions today. This shifts motivation from effort-based willpower to identity-based action, making growth automatic and sustainable.
Origin
Extracted from Young and Profiting
Core principles
- 01Identity drives behavior, not goals
- 02Your future self is a different person, not just a better version
- 03Commitment to standards shapes identity
- 04Decisions are made by asking: 'What would my future self do?'
How to run it
- 1
Define your future self
Write a detailed description of your future self in 5 years: values, habits, relationships, and environment.
- 2
Act as your future self
Identify 3 decisions your future self would make differently today. Start making those now.
- 3
Elevate your standards
Raise your standards in one area (e.g., health, work, relationships) to match your future identity.
- 4
Build a decision filter
Create a 'future self filter': ask 'Does this align with who I’m becoming?' before saying yes to anything.
- 5
Practice future self reflection
Journal weekly from the perspective of your future self reflecting on present choices.
Common mistakes
Unclear future self vision
Vague future self leads to inconsistent action. Specificity is required for identity shift.
Delaying embodiment
Waiting to 'become' delays action. You must act now as the person you want to be.
Low standards
Setting standards too low fails to challenge current identity, preventing growth.
Is it for you?
Best for
Individuals building a personal brand, launching a business, or undergoing major life transitions.
Not ideal for
People resistant to long-term identity change or those seeking short-term results without commitment.
From the transcript
“It's not about becoming your future self, it's about being your future self now... Use your vision of your future self to guide who you're…”
“Your identity is what you're most committed to... As you elevate your standards and your story, you change your identity.”
“What would my future self do? That becomes a massive filtering tool.”
From the episode
Dr. Benjamin Hardy: The Mindset Shift That Stops You From Feeling Like a Failure
Dr. Benjamin Hardy