The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
Why We're Mean to Our Future Selves (LIVE from Boston)
May 8, 2023
In this lively discussion with Jason Mitchell, a Harvard psychology professor, the duo dives into how we often set unrealistic expectations for our future selves. They explore the concept of 'future time slack' and how we misjudge our capacities, leading to procrastination and self-sabotage. The chat emphasizes the importance of building a kinder relationship with our future selves and offers strategies for aligning present actions with long-term happiness. Together, they challenge listeners to rethink their approach to decision-making and self-care.
40:38
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Quick takeaways
- Considering our future selves as similar to our present selves helps us make decisions based on current preferences and anticipate future needs.
- Acknowledging the limitations of our predictions and understanding that our future selves will be influenced by various factors helps us avoid making decisions that we may regret in the long run.
Deep dives
Understanding the Bias Against Future Selves
Humans have a tendency to treat their future selves as strangers, which often leads to making decisions that prioritize present preferences over future well-being. This bias stems from the brain's differentiation between thinking about similar others and dissimilar others. By considering our future selves as similar to our present selves, we can make decisions based on current preferences and anticipate future needs. In addition, using first-person language when thinking about our future selves can strengthen the connection and bridge the gap between our present and future identities. These strategies help us overcome biases and make decisions that align with our long-term happiness and well-being.
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