The BBC Reports:
Quick Summary
The BBC reports that thinking about the “future you” can lead to a happier life.
Some people have a strong sense of their future self and can see their future self as a continuation of who they are today. These people tend to act in ways that will make life easier for themselves in future years. “You could almost think about your future self as a relationship that needs to be nurtured and cultivated.”
Key Points
- People who identify strongly with their future self exercise more and tend to have more overall fitness.
- People who score highly on future self-continuity have higher moral standards.
- In a 10-year study, someone’s connection to their future self at the beginning of the study could predict their life satisfaction 10 years later.
The article states:
Given the many benefits for our financial security, health and overall happiness, it’s natural to wonder whether we can strengthen our sense of connection to our future selves.