Dr. Benjamin Hardy's 'Be Your Future Self Now': A Deep Dive

Welcome back to the blog, podcast my friends! In this post, we're diving deep into the transformative concepts from Dr. Benjamin Hardy's book, 'Be Your Future Self Now.' Honestly, I've listened to this amazing audiobook about 10 times through. I just love it! This book offers a powerful framework for understanding how to shape your present actions by aligning them with the person you aspire to become. We'll explore the core ideas, the science that backs them, and actionable strategies you can use to start living as your future self today. This discussion beautifully complements our latest podcast episode, "26: Work From the Future Backwards", where we introduced the concept of working from the future backwards. The related episode highlights the profound impact of embodying your future self in the present moment. This post expands on those ideas, giving you the practical tools to make it a reality. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let's get started!

Key Concepts from 'Be Your Future Self Now'

Dr. Hardy's book centers around a core premise: your future self is not a fixed entity but a malleable concept you can actively shape. Instead of being a passive recipient of whatever life throws at you, you can consciously design who you want to become and then take steps to embody that person now. This is not about wishful thinking; it's about strategic action driven by a clear vision of your ideal future.

A crucial element is understanding the power of identity. Hardy argues that our behaviors are driven by our self-perception. If you see yourself as someone who struggles with health, you're more likely to make unhealthy choices. Conversely, if you identify as a healthy, active person, you'll naturally gravitate towards behaviors that align with that identity. The key is to consciously choose the identity that aligns with your future self.

Another central idea is the concept of your future self acting as a "magnet." By having a clear and compelling vision of who you want to be, you create a powerful force that pulls you towards that future. This vision clarifies your goals, motivates your actions, and helps you make better decisions in the present. It’s about aligning your present with that future you desire. This means understanding who that future self is and what they value.

Hardy discusses the gap between your current self and your future self, and how this gap can be either a source of motivation or a source of discouragement. If the gap feels too large, it can lead to feelings of overwhelm and inaction. However, if you view the gap as a challenge and break it down into smaller, manageable steps, it can become a powerful motivator.

The book emphasizes the importance of deliberate creation versus accidental arrival. Too many people drift through life without a clear sense of purpose, ending up somewhere they never intended to be. By actively designing your future self, you take control of your destiny and create a life that is aligned with your values and aspirations. Don't let life happen to you, proactively design your future!

The Science Behind Future Self Thinking

The ideas presented in 'Be Your Future Self Now' aren't just based on philosophical musings; they're grounded in scientific research. Studies in neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral economics support the notion that our perception of time and our future selves significantly impact our present behavior.

Neuroscience research has shown that when we think about our future selves, different parts of the brain are activated depending on how connected we feel to that future self. If we feel a strong sense of continuity with our future self, the same brain regions that are activated when we think about our present self are also activated. This suggests that we perceive our future self as an extension of who we are now, making it easier to make decisions that benefit that future self.

The "endowment effect" is a cognitive bias that demonstrates how we tend to value things we own more highly than things we don't. Hardy argues that we can apply this principle to our future selves. By mentally "owning" our future self – by vividly imagining and connecting with that person – we are more likely to make choices that protect and benefit them.

Delayed Gratification and Future Rewards

Research on delayed gratification, such as the famous "marshmallow test," highlights the importance of being able to forgo immediate rewards for the sake of future benefits. By connecting with our future selves, we become more motivated to delay gratification and make choices that will pay off in the long run. When you understand that delaying gratification leads to massive future rewards, it becomes much easier to be disciplined and make those tough decisions.

The Power of Visualization

Studies have shown that visualization can have a significant impact on performance. By vividly imagining ourselves achieving our goals and embodying the qualities of our future selves, we can prime our brains and bodies for success. Visualization helps to build neural pathways that support our desired behaviors.

Actionable Strategies to Embody Your Future Self

Now that we've explored the key concepts and the science behind them, let's dive into some actionable strategies you can use to start embodying your future self today.

The first step is to clearly define who you want to become. Get specific. What are your values? What are your goals? What kind of person do you want to be known as? Write down a detailed description of your ideal future self, including their habits, relationships, and accomplishments. The more vivid and detailed your vision, the more powerful it will be.

A vision board is a visual representation of your goals and aspirations. Include images, quotes, and words that represent your future self. Place your vision board in a prominent location where you will see it every day. This will serve as a constant reminder of who you're working to become.

Once you have a clear vision of your future self, identify the key behaviors that will help you get there. What actions do you need to take consistently to move closer to your goals? Break these behaviors down into small, manageable steps. For example, if your future self is a successful entrepreneur, you might start by reading business books for 30 minutes each day or networking with other entrepreneurs.

Find people who are already living the life you want to live and model their behaviors. What habits do they have? How do they approach challenges? What are their values? You don't have to copy them exactly, but you can learn from their example and adapt their strategies to your own life.

Your environment plays a crucial role in shaping your behavior. Create an environment that supports your goals and makes it easier to embody your future self. This might involve decluttering your space, surrounding yourself with supportive people, or limiting exposure to negative influences.

Tracking your progress is essential for staying motivated and making sure you're on the right track. Use a journal, a spreadsheet, or an app to track your progress towards your goals. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and learn from your setbacks. Consistency is key!

How to Use Your Feelings to Actualize Your Goals

Dr. Hardy stresses that feeling is the key. Science and spirit agree: the brain believes what the heart feels. Too often, we try to force ourselves towards a goal through willpower alone, neglecting the emotional connection that truly fuels lasting change. To actualize your goals, you must align your feelings with your vision of your future self.

Identify Your Limiting Beliefs

What beliefs are holding you back from becoming your future self? These might be beliefs about your capabilities, your worthiness, or your potential for success. Once you identify these limiting beliefs, challenge them. Are they really true? What evidence do you have to support them? Often, these beliefs are based on past experiences or the opinions of others, rather than on reality.

Negative emotions like fear, doubt, and anxiety can be powerful obstacles on the path to your future self. Instead of trying to suppress these emotions, reframe them. Recognize that they are often signals that you're stepping outside of your comfort zone and growing as a person. Use these emotions as fuel to push yourself forward.

Actively cultivate positive emotions like gratitude, joy, and excitement. These emotions can help you stay motivated, build resilience, and attract positive experiences into your life. Practice gratitude by keeping a gratitude journal or simply taking a few moments each day to appreciate the good things in your life. Engage in activities that bring you joy and make you feel alive.

Connect with Your "Why"

To truly embody your future self, you need to connect with your "why." Why is this future self so important to you? What impact will it have on your life and the lives of others? When you have a strong sense of purpose, you're more likely to stay committed to your goals, even when faced with challenges.

The Importance of Environment and Goals

As mentioned previously, creating an environment that supports your goals is critical. If your environment is chaotic, disorganized, or filled with negative influences, it will be difficult to embody your future self. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, create a workspace that is conducive to productivity, and limit your exposure to things that drain your energy.

Setting clear, specific, and measurable goals is essential for making progress towards your future self. Use the SMART framework to ensure that your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of setting a vague goal like "get in shape," set a SMART goal like "lose 10 pounds in 12 weeks by exercising for 30 minutes, 3 times a week, and eating a healthy diet."

Large goals can feel overwhelming, which can lead to procrastination and inaction. Break down your big goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will make them feel less daunting and more achievable. Celebrate each milestone you reach along the way.

It's important to regularly review your goals and adjust them as needed. Life changes, and your priorities may shift over time. Make sure your goals are still aligned with your values and aspirations. Don't be afraid to revise your plans if necessary.

Listener Support and Gratitude

Before we wrap up, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to all of you who listen to the podcast and support my work. Your encouragement and feedback mean the world to me. It's because of you that I'm able to continue creating content that I hope inspires and empowers you to live your best lives.

Thank you to my supporters and believers - sincerely, it means the world! Chris Hart, Barb Smith, VaDonna, Paula, Rebecca, Jackie, Synthi Silverman, Kelly Blunt, Julie Oconnell and Rach B. You all are awesome!

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Resources for Further Exploration

If you're interested in learning more about the concepts we've discussed today, here are some additional resources that you might find helpful:

• 'Be Your Future Self Now' by Dr. Benjamin Hardy (it is the best!)
• "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck
• "Atomic Habits" by James Clear

We've covered a lot of ground in this post, exploring the key concepts from Dr. Benjamin Hardy's 'Be Your Future Self Now' and providing actionable strategies for embodying your future self today. Remember, your future self is not a fixed entity but a malleable concept you can actively shape. By connecting with your future self, defining your goals, and creating an environment for success, you can unlock your full potential and create a life that is aligned with your values and aspirations. Don't forget to check out our related podcast episode, "26: Work From the Future Backwards", for even more insights on this topic. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you in the next post!