Ep 031: The missing link to motivation: Connecting with your future self

In this episode of 8020 Productivity, we explore how strengthening the connection with your future self can transform your goal-setting and decision-making. we discuss cutting-edge research, practical strategies, and the ripple effects of embracing your future self in every area of life. From emotional connection to actionable milestones, learn how to set yourself up for long-term success today.

The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:

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[00:00] Why Most Goals Fail

[00:46] The Concept of Future Self

What is the future self, and why does it matter?

[02:38] Brain Science Behind Future Self Perception

Your brain treats your future self as a different person.

[05:03] Emotional Connection: The Secret Sauce

The power of emotional investment in goal pursuit.

Dr. Hal Hershfield’s insights on future self-continuity.

[08:34] Small Habits, Big Results

Practical tips: Packing your gym bag, meal prepping, and more.

[11:14] Bridging Temporal Distance

Why milestones matter: Breaking down big goals into achievable steps.

Construal Level Theory explained.

[17:17] The Power of Storytelling

How multi-sensory narratives bring your future self to life.

Writing letters from your future self to your current self.

[22:23] Bonus: The Ripple Effect

How connecting with your future self impacts health, finances, and relationships.

[26:13] Final Challenge: Start Small Today

What will you do today to serve your future self?

Notes and References

Dr. Hal Hershfield’s Research

Paper: Future Self-Continuity: How Conceptions of the Future Self Transform Intertemporal Choice.
Read the full paper here.

Neural Correlates of Future Self-Continuity

Paper: Saving for the Future Self: Neural Measures of Future Self-Continuity Predict Temporal Discounting.
View the study here.

Construal Level Theory

Developed by Nira Liberman and Yaacov Trope, this theory explores how psychological distance affects decision-making.
Learn more about it here.

Virtual Aging Software

Example: Apps that visualize age progression, like FaceApp or AgingBooth, can be helpful for visualizing your future self.

Magic Mind Offer

Link: https://magicmind.com/anthonyjan

Mini-Course: Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting

Free resource for listeners: https://anthony-sanni-company-international.thinkific.com/courses/goal-achievement-free-mini-course

Book Mention: The Law of The Vital Few