Your Future Self (2023) is an illuminating journey through the complex world of decision-making, blending the powerful elements of psychology and economics. Offering a unique lens with which to view our long-term choices, it uncovers how the decisions we make today directly shape our future selves.

Introduction: Unlock the key to better decision-making, heightened motivation, and a healthier relationship with the person you’ll become.

Picture this: You’re having coffee with a stranger. This individual knows everything about you – all your little habits, every decision you’ve ever made, the paths you’ve taken, and even your deepest secrets. You, however, know nothing about this stranger. Who is this person? Well, it’s you – just ten years in the future.

Now, how would this meeting affect your actions today? Would you think twice before downing that extra piece of cake, knowing the impact it might have on your future health? Would you reconsider that impulse buy, understanding the financial strain it may put on your future self?

Our lives are a ceaseless evolution, each day propelling us into the future – a future inhabited by a version of us that can feel alien and detached from our present selves. This divergence often results in decisions that may gratify our current selves, but leave our future selves reeling. Yet, we persist, driven by an innate focus on immediate satisfaction, largely ignoring the looming shadows of the future.

But what if we could bridge this temporal chasm? What if we could cultivate an empathetic bond with our future selves, shaping our decisions today to ensure a more prosperous tomorrow? In this summary you will embark on a riveting exploration into the depths of self-perception, identity, and the fascinating interplay between our present and future selves. This journey will offer insights into the human psyche, while empowering you to harness the connection with your future self – thereby fostering decisions that favor not only the you of today, but also the you of tomorrow.

Can we transform our core selves?

Take a moment to reflect on the tale of Pedro Rodrigues Filho, a man born into brutality, bearing a dented skull from his father’s beatings. Rodrigues Filho, who died in 2023, was a serial killer who had murdered 71 people by 1985. Yet his story didn’t end in a prison cell. He started working out, learned to read and write, and in 2007, thanks to a legal loophole, walked out of prison a free man. He began waking up at 4 a.m. daily, abstained from drugs and alcohol, shared inspirational stories on YouTube, and counseled young criminals, swearing that he was repulsed by his former self and considering himself reborn. It compels us to ask: Can we fundamentally change who we are?

Think about your sense of self. Imagine that every cell in your body was replaced over time, but you retained your memories. Would you still be you? What if your mind and memories were replaced by someone else’s? How many parts of you need to change before you’re considered a new entity?

Reflect on your own life. Surely, certain traits have persisted since you were a child. However, your experiences have also shaped you, your body has transformed, and even your memories have evolved.

Philosophy alone can’t solve this riddle. The everyday world, as seen in a study by Professor Nina Strohminger, provides a different lens. She asked caregivers of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and ALS whether the people they were caring for still felt the same to them. Interestingly, despite their failing bodies, the ALS patients, with their intact minds, were seen as more “themselves” than the Alzheimer’s patients, whose memories were fading. But the real twist came when Strohminger spoke to caregivers of people with frontotemporal dementia, a condition that leaves the body and memories intact but impairs the ability to act morally or ethically. These patients were perceived as the most alien, suggesting that our moral selves could indeed define our true identity.

So, reflecting on Pedro Rodrigues Filho, did he indeed become a new person? If we consider the concept of an essential moral self, then perhaps he did. But now, let’s redirect that spotlight onto ourselves. How do we view our future selves? Will we remain the same or transform into someone new? As we delve further, we’ll explore this fascinating aspect of our human existence.

Befriending your future self

Imagine immortality – forever young and unfettered, like a vampire basking in the moonlight. Intriguing, isn’t it? Yet it throws up an existential quandary. How could we be sure of who we’d be in the face of such endless existence? Just like bringing a new life into the world, every moment births a new version of “us.” Our future selves, then, will forever remain enigmatic, shadowy figures in the hazy landscape of tomorrow.

Our perception of our future selves profoundly influences our current decisions. Imagine two personas – an extension of your present self and a brand-new individual. How you perceive your future self in this dichotomy will invariably color the way you act today.

Consider this – we typically act in our own self-interest. However, if we perceive our future selves as strangers, we might be less inclined to commit to healthy, helpful habits. Why say no to an extra slice of chocolate cake if it’s not your waistline that’ll bear the brunt, but rather that of a stranger? This detachment might also lead to indulgent spending or an inclination toward long-term debt.

When reflecting on the near future – say, your next birthday – most people are likely to use first-person pronouns, maintaining a sense of personal continuity. But when the event is 30 years away, the language shifts to the third person. One might attribute this to perception. Think of seeing two birds at a distance. Telling them apart might be challenging. Similarly, whether it’s “you” a decade from now or “you” in two decades, these future selves might seem to coalesce into one nebulous figure.

Our future self is blurry, almost ghostlike, while our present self is solid, tangible. Although our future self is not literally a different person, thinking in this manner can provide insights. Sacrifices for a stranger may seem illogical, but what if you began to see your future self as a friend or loved one?

Perhaps it’s time to shift perspectives. Instead of treating your future self as a distant figure, bring them closer. Consider them an ally, a friend, someone worth making sacrifices for. Maybe then, the “you” of tomorrow would seem less like a stranger and more like a loved one for whom you’d readily forgo that extra slice of cake, or reconsider rash financial decisions. After all, even if you could live forever, like a vampire in the twilight, wouldn’t you want the best for all your future selves?

Navigating choices for your future self

Imagine the metaphor of a ship, anchored steadfastly to a specific spot. Despite the beckoning horizon and the call of the open sea, it remains tethered to its mooring. In a way, we are all like that ship. We’re bound by the concept of “anchoring” to our current selves and values, even when we know we should loosen the chains and sail into the future.

This metaphorical anchoring often leads us to make choices that are detrimental to our future selves. Presented with a choice between receiving $1000 in six months or $990 right now, most people would choose the immediate payout. But where is the tipping point? What amount of money would make waiting worth it?

This tendency to prioritize immediate rewards over future benefits can lead to problematic decisions, like sudden millionaires squandering their fortune. However, this picture changes when we remove the immediacy of the present. When asked to choose between $900 in a year or $1000 in eighteen months, most people display more patience and choose the larger sum.

This phenomenon is not limited to financial decisions. If asked to choose between a chocolate bar and a handful of healthy nuts to be received in a week’s time, many would opt for the healthier option. The allure of instant gratification wanes when the reward isn’t immediate. Is this because we find the future uncertain, sticking to the old adage of a bird in the hand being worth two in the bush?

The pull of the present is powerful because we are familiar with it. It’s magnified in our perception, and time seems to compress as we look farther into the future. A day in the present feels longer than the anticipation of a day spent on a task six months from now.

Just as a caterpillar slowly morphs into a butterfly, we often overlook how the individual moments of our present accumulate to create our future. If we don’t actively focus on our future selves, we risk making decisions in the present that could lead to future regret. So perhaps it’s time to weigh anchor and let our future selves guide us as we navigate the sea of choices that life presents.

Procrastination, decisions, and the journey to no regrets

Have you ever found yourself rushing to meet a deadline – like Mozart, who supposedly completed Don Giovanni at the last moment? Maybe you’ve crammed the night before a big exam. Procrastination is a common habit we all share. But what we often don’t realize is that we’re hurting our future selves by leaving tasks until the last minute. The root cause of this issue? We struggle to imagine our future selves vividly. Our inability to foresee the future clearly results in a lack of understanding about the burdens we’re leaving for our future selves to bear.

But there’s hope! A little forgiveness can go a long way. Forgive your past self for leaving tasks undone, and work on developing a better understanding of your future self to avoid procrastination. In doing so, you’ll not only lessen the burden on your future self, but also foster a stronger connection among your past, present, and future selves.

Similarly, have you ever agreed to something scheduled for a future time, only to regret it when that time came? That’s the yes/damn effect. Perhaps you’ve experienced this when you’ve RSVP’d to a party that you later dreaded attending. The yes/damn effect is a reflection of our difficulty in predicting our future emotional states – a phenomenon that’s also at play when we make decisions that lead to regret.

The same goes for regret over getting a tattoo. The significance behind a tattoo may fade over time. Or a hasty decision made while one is impaired may lead to a permanent mark that’s later regretted. This could be likened to packing the wrong clothes for a vacation. You know your destination is hot, but because it’s cold now, you fail to pack appropriate clothing. This, once again, reveals our struggle to connect with our future selves.

This struggle can be traced back to two primary biases. First is the projection bias – our tendency to assume our future selves will feel the way we currently do. Second is the end-of-history-illusion – our belief that our personality and preferences won’t change much in the future. Both of these biases cloud our judgment, leading to decisions we might regret, whether that’s a tattoo we come to dislike, or a romantic relationship that ends poorly.

By understanding these biases and their impact, we can strive to make better decisions for our future selves. In the end, bridging the gap between our present and future selves will help us make choices that we won’t come to regret later. Remember, the key to good decision-making is a clear and empathetic understanding of your future self.

Strategies for balancing the present and future

Imagine running into your future self, only to discover you are dissatisfied, trapped in a failing marriage, and in failing health. The question then becomes, how can you prevent such a future? How can you shape yourself into the best version of you possible? This journey begins by making your future self feel nearer, more tangible, and more real.

Scientific studies suggest that we’re more likely to assist a needy family if told the family has already been selected, as they seem more identifiable, more real. This approach can also be adopted for self-improvement. By composing a letter to your future self or crafting a time capsule, you make your future persona tangible, compelling you to make decisions beneficial for them.

You can also try a mental exercise: visualize your future, and then mentally travel back to the present. When contemplating the future, use days instead of years as your unit of time – a perspective that’s easier to comprehend and operationalize. However, merely visualizing the future isn’t sufficient. Afterwards, taking concrete steps and making firm commitments are necessary as well. For example, procuring a 30-session gym membership signals your commitment to fitness.

Yet relying solely on willpower isn’t always effective. Sometimes it’s better to completely eliminate distractions for your future self. For instance, you could lock your phone in a timed safe to help ensure a period of undistracted work, thereby working in your future self’s favor.

Adding instant punishments for unwanted behaviors is also a powerful motivator – like imposing a fine on yourself if you miss a workout. The sting of an immediate loss will then prompt you to act in your future self’s best interest.

But shaping a better future doesn’t just involve hard choices and sacrifices; it also means making your present more enjoyable. If a task is difficult or unappealing, pair it with something enjoyable. Why not listen to an engaging audiobook while working out, or watch an intriguing YouTube video while brushing your teeth? These are simple modifications that can make mundane or challenging tasks more bearable.

When facing an overwhelming task, like a hefty debt, break it down into smaller, manageable payments. It’s a more approachable strategy and easier on your current self, while still benefiting your future self.

Learning to balance the needs of the present with those of the future is key in this journey. By using some of these strategies, you can construct a bridge to a future where the best version of yourself awaits. It’s a careful balancing act, but one that can lead to a fulfilling future.

Conclusion

Understanding and fostering a relationship with your future self can profoundly affect your present decisions, prompting you to act in ways that align with the best interests of your future self.

Despite the innate capacity for transformation, recognizing and embracing your future self can prove challenging due to perceived distance and lack of tangible connection. This often leads to an emphasis on immediate needs, sometimes at the expense of future well-being.

However, strategies such as visualization, time framing, tangible commitments, immediate consequences for unwanted behaviors, and enhancing the enjoyment of tasks can bridge the gap, nurturing a healthier relationship with your future self. In doing so, you can encourage decisions that promote a more fulfilling future.

About the Authors

Hal Hershfield

Genres

Productivity, Personal Development

Review 1

Summary: “Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today” by Hal Hershfield is a compelling exploration of how we can make better decisions and take actions today that benefit our future selves. Hershfield combines behavioral science, psychology, and personal anecdotes to provide practical strategies for setting goals, overcoming procrastination, and cultivating long-term thinking. This book offers valuable insights and tools for individuals seeking to improve their decision-making and create a brighter future.

Review: “Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today” is a thought-provoking and practical guide by Hal Hershfield that delves into the concept of long-term thinking and its impact on our decision-making. Hershfield draws on his expertise in behavioral science and psychology to offer valuable insights and strategies for individuals seeking to improve their lives and make choices that benefit their future selves.

One of the book’s standout qualities is Hershfield’s ability to blend scientific research with relatable anecdotes and real-life examples. By combining empirical evidence with personal stories, he creates a compelling narrative that resonates with Readers. This approach makes the concepts and strategies presented in the book more accessible and applicable to everyday life.

Hershfield explores various aspects of decision-making and goal-setting, highlighting the challenges we face when trying to make choices that benefit our future selves. He addresses common obstacles such as procrastination, instant gratification, and short-term thinking, offering practical techniques to overcome these hurdles. The book provides actionable steps and exercises that readers can implement to cultivate long-term thinking and improve their decision-making processes.

Furthermore, “Your Future Self” emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and understanding our own values and priorities. Hershfield encourages readers to reflect on their long-term goals and align their actions with their desired future outcomes. This introspective approach allows readers to make more intentional decisions and take steps towards creating the life they envision.

The book’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making it suitable for a wide range of readers. Hershfield presents complex concepts in a clear and concise manner, avoiding unnecessary jargon and ensuring that readers can grasp the key ideas without difficulty. The book is well-structured, with each chapter building upon the previous ones, creating a cohesive and logical flow of information.

While “Your Future Self” provides valuable insights and practical strategies, some readers may find that certain sections resonate more than others, depending on their personal circumstances and goals. Additionally, the book primarily focuses on individual decision-making and may not delve deeply into the societal or environmental factors that can influence our ability to make future-oriented choices.

In conclusion, “Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today” by Hal Hershfield is a compelling and practical guide that offers valuable insights for individuals seeking to improve their decision-making and create a brighter future. Through a combination of scientific research, relatable anecdotes, and actionable strategies, Hershfield empowers readers to cultivate long-term thinking and make choices that align with their desired future outcomes. Whether you’re looking to overcome procrastination, set meaningful goals, or develop a more future-oriented mindset, this book provides the tools and guidance needed to make positive changes in your life.

Review 2

Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today by Hal Hershfield is a fascinating, profound, and immediately practical guide to shaping your life to come, while living more richly in the moment. The author, a renowned psychologist and researcher, draws on over a decade of groundbreaking studies to reveal how our future selves often look like strangers to us, and how this disconnect leads us to make choices that undermine our well-being and happiness in the long run. He also offers evidence-based strategies and exercises to help us bridge the gap between who we are today and who we can become tomorrow, such as visualizing our future selves, writing letters to them, and engaging in intergenerational interactions. By doing so, we can not only improve our health, finances, relationships, and career prospects, but also cultivate a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in our lives. This book is an entertaining and powerful read that will change how you see yourself and your future.

Review 3

Here is my review of the book Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today by Hal Hershfield:

Your Future Self is a book that teaches you how to make better decisions for your future by connecting with your future self. The author, Hal Hershfield, is a professor of marketing and behavioral decision making at UCLA, and an expert on the psychology of time and choice. He draws from his own research and experiments, as well as from other fields such as neuroscience, philosophy, and economics, to offer a comprehensive and practical guide for improving your decision making process.

The book is divided into four parts: Part I: The Problem, Part II: The Solution, Part III: The Application, and Part IV: The Future. In Part I, Hershfield explains why we often fail to make decisions that are in our best interest in the long term, such as saving for retirement, eating healthy, or exercising regularly. He argues that one of the main reasons is that we tend to view our future selves as strangers or others, rather than as ourselves. He also identifies some of the common biases and errors that affect our judgment, such as present bias, optimism bias, or egocentric bias.

In Part II, Hershfield presents the solution to the problem of disconnecting from our future selves. He suggests that we need to develop a sense of continuity and empathy with our future selves, by imagining them more vividly and realistically. He provides various tools and techniques that can help us do that, such as writing letters to or from our future selves, creating digital avatars or simulations of our future selves, or using virtual reality or immersive technology to experience our future selves.

In Part III, Hershfield applies the solution to different domains and contexts of decision making, such as health, wealth, happiness, and relationships. He shows how connecting with our future selves can help us make better choices and achieve our goals in these areas. He also gives examples and case studies of how people have used these techniques to improve their lives and outcomes.

In Part IV, Hershfield explores the implications and possibilities of connecting with our future selves for the future of humanity and society. He discusses how these techniques can help us address some of the global challenges and opportunities that we face, such as climate change, artificial intelligence, or longevity. He also speculates on how these techniques might evolve and change in the future.

Your Future Self is a book that offers a novel and useful perspective on how to make better decisions for your future by connecting with your future self. It is not a book that promises easy or magical solutions, but rather a book that challenges and equips you with the skills and knowledge to overcome your decision making pitfalls. It is a book that combines theory and practice, research and experience, science and art. It is a book that is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their decision making skills, whether they are students or professionals, young or old. It is a book that I highly recommend for anyone who wants to learn more about Your Future Self by Hal Hershfield.

Review 4

“Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today” by Hal Hershfield is a thought-provoking exploration of how our perceptions of time influence our decision-making and long-term planning. Here’s a detailed review of the book’s core themes, strengths, potential limitations, and overall impact.

Summary:
“Your Future Self” delves into the psychological concept of temporal discounting—the tendency to value immediate rewards over future ones—and offers insights on how to bridge the gap between our present and future selves. Drawing on research from psychology, behavioral economics, and neuroscience, Hal Hershfield provides practical strategies to align our current actions with our long-term goals.

Key Themes:

• Temporal Perspective: The book explores how our perceptions of time affect our decision-making, often leading us to prioritize short-term pleasures over long-term benefits.
• Future Self Connection: Hershfield emphasizes the importance of establishing a stronger emotional connection with our future selves, enabling us to make choices that benefit us in the long run.
• Nudging Behavior: The author introduces strategies such as mental contrasting, precommitment, and vivid visualization to help readers overcome temporal discounting and make decisions that align with their long-term goals.
• Holistic Well-Being: The book addresses the broader implications of our choices on various aspects of life, including health, finances, and personal fulfillment.

Strengths:

• Scientific Foundation: Hershfield draws on a wide range of research to support his insights, grounding his recommendations in empirical evidence from psychology and behavioral economics.
• Practical Strategies: The book offers actionable techniques that readers can immediately apply to bridge the gap between their present and future selves.
• Accessible Language: Hershfield presents complex psychological concepts in a clear and accessible manner, making the content engaging and relatable to a broad audience.
• Personal Relevance: The book encourages readers to reflect on their own behaviors, decisions, and aspirations, fostering a deeper understanding of their relationship with their future selves.

Potential Limitations:

• Depth vs. Breadth: While the book covers a wide range of topics related to temporal discounting, some readers might desire more in-depth exploration of certain concepts.
• Individual Variation: Strategies may have varying effectiveness depending on an individual’s personality, goals, and circumstances.

Overall Impact:
“Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today” significantly impacts readers by shedding light on the cognitive biases that influence our decision-making and providing practical tools to mitigate their effects. Hershfield’s approach empowers individuals to bridge the gap between their present actions and future goals, resulting in more informed and purposeful choices.

Final Thoughts:
Hal Hershfield’s “Your Future Self” offers an enlightening journey into the psychology of time and decision-making. Through its blend of scientific research, relatable examples, and actionable strategies, the book equips readers with the knowledge and tools to align their choices with their long-term aspirations, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being and sense of personal agency.

Review 5

[Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today] by Hal Hershfield is a thought-provoking and insightful book that delves into the concept of our future selves and how we can make better decisions today to improve our lives in the long run. Hershfield, a renowned expert in the field of psychology and behavioral economics, presents a compelling argument for the importance of considering our future selves in our decision-making processes.

The book begins by exploring the psychological phenomenon known as “temporal discounting,” which refers to our tendency to prioritize immediate gratification over long-term benefits. Hershfield explains how this bias can hinder our ability to make choices that align with our long-term goals and aspirations. He introduces the concept of “future self-continuity,” which involves developing a stronger connection and empathy towards our future selves. By fostering this connection, Hershfield argues that we can overcome temporal discounting and make decisions that benefit our future selves.

Throughout the book, Hershfield provides numerous real-life examples, case studies, and scientific research to support his arguments. He draws from a wide range of disciplines, including psychology, neuroscience, and economics, to present a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence our decision-making processes. The author’s ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible language makes the book engaging and relatable to readers from various backgrounds.

One of the book’s strengths is its practicality. Hershfield offers a variety of strategies and techniques that readers can implement in their daily lives to bridge the gap between their present and future selves. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals, creating implementation intentions, and developing habits that align with our long-term aspirations. The book also explores the role of technology and how it can be leveraged to support our future-oriented decision-making.

Moreover, Hershfield addresses the emotional aspect of considering our future selves. He highlights the significance of cultivating a positive and optimistic mindset towards our future, as well as the potential impact of regret and fear on our decision-making. By acknowledging and understanding these emotional factors, readers can develop a more holistic approach to shaping their future.

While the book provides valuable insights and practical advice, some readers may find certain sections repetitive or overly detailed. Additionally, the book primarily focuses on individual decision-making and may benefit from further exploration of how societal and environmental factors influence our ability to consider our future selves.

In conclusion, [Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today] is a compelling and informative book that encourages readers to think beyond the present moment and consider the long-term consequences of their decisions. Hal Hershfield’s expertise in psychology and behavioral economics shines through, providing readers with practical strategies to bridge the gap between their present and future selves. Whether you are seeking personal growth, financial planning, or simply a deeper understanding of human behavior, this book offers valuable insights that can positively impact your life.

Review 6

I have read the book [Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today] by [Hal Hershfield] and I will provide you with a brief review of it.

The book is a guide to help the reader connect with their future self and make better decisions for their long-term well-being and happiness. The book explains that many of us tend to view our future self as a stranger, which leads us to prioritize short-term gratification over long-term goals. The book argues that we need to develop a stronger sense of empathy and continuity with our future self, and offers practical advice and exercises on how to do so.

The book is based on the author’s extensive research as a professor of marketing and behavioral decision making at UCLA. The book draws on examples and stories from various domains, such as health, finance, education, and relationships, to illustrate the benefits and challenges of bridging the gap between our present and future selves. The book also incorporates insights and research from other disciplines, such as psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and economics, to support its arguments and recommendations.

The book is divided into three parts. The first part examines the root causes of why we often fail to consider our future self, such as the cognitive biases, emotional barriers, and social influences that affect our perception of time and identity. The second part explores the human dimensions that we need to consider when serving our future self, such as our aspirations, discoveries, and sense of mattering. The third part outlines the steps and strategies that we can take to serve our future self better, such as redefining success, redesigning processes, reimagining technologies, reengaging stakeholders, and reinvigorating leadership.

The book is an informative and engaging work that challenges the reader to rethink how they relate to their future self. It is a call to action for individuals, organizations, and society to put humanity and care at the center of all our systems. It is a book that will make you question, reflect, and act. It is a book that will help you create a better future for yourself and others.

I hope this review helps you understand the book better.

Review 7

Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today by Hal Hershfield is an engaging and insightful book that helps readers improve their lives by connecting with their future selves. Hal Hershfield is a professor of marketing, psychology, and behavioral decision making at UCLA Anderson School of Management, and an expert on the psychology of time.

The book explains why we often neglect or misjudge our future selves, and how this can lead to poor decisions, regrets, and missed opportunities. The book also shows how we can overcome this tendency by using science-based strategies to imagine, communicate, and empathize with our future selves. The book offers practical advice on how to apply these strategies to various domains of life, such as health, wealth, happiness, relationships, and career.

The book is based on the latest research and real-life stories, and it features exercises and tools to help readers create a vivid and realistic vision of their future selves. The book is designed to help readers achieve their goals, fulfill their potential, and live more richly in the present.

Review 8

Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today by Hal Hershfield is a book that explores how we can improve our lives by connecting with our future selves. The book draws on scientific research, psychological insights, and practical advice to help us imagine and plan for our best future, while also living more fully in the present. The book covers topics such as saving for retirement, pursuing our passions, maintaining our health, and cultivating our relationships. The book is written in an engaging and accessible style, with examples, exercises, and stories that illustrate the main points. The book is a “fascinating, profound, and immediately practical guide” for anyone who wants to make tomorrow better today.

Review 9

Hal Hershfield’s book, “Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today” is a fascinating look at how our brains think about time and how we can use this knowledge to make better decisions. Hershfield argues that we often make decisions based on our current selves, but that this can lead us to make choices that are not in our best interests. By understanding how our brains think about the future, we can make more informed decisions that will benefit us in the long run.

One of the key concepts that Hershfield discusses is the “temporal discounting”. This is the idea that we tend to value rewards that are closer in time more than rewards that are further in time. This is why we are more likely to buy a new car than to invest in our retirement savings. Hershfield argues that we can overcome this tendency by thinking about our future selves as separate individuals. When we do this, we are more likely to make choices that are in our long-term best interests.

Hershfield also discusses the importance of “envisioning” our future selves. This is the process of imagining what we want our future to look like and how we can get there. When we envision our future selves, we are more likely to make choices that are consistent with our goals.

“Your Future Self” is a thought-provoking and practical book that will help you make better decisions about your life. Hershfield provides a wealth of research and insights that will help you understand how your brain thinks about time and how you can use this knowledge to improve your life.

If you are interested in learning more about how to make better decisions, I highly recommend reading “Your Future Self”. It is a book that will change the way you think about time and make you more likely to make choices that are in your best interests.

Review 10

Certainly! Here is my brief review of “Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today” by Hal Hershfield:

Overview:

“Your Future Self” is a practical guide to building a better future, written by financial advisor and behavioral economist Hal Hershfield. The book offers a comprehensive framework for making intentional decisions that align with your long-term goals, rather than simply reacting to short-term temptations. Hershfield draws on insights from psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics to provide readers with actionable strategies for improving their financial, professional, and personal lives.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Time Perspective: Hershfield introduces the concept of “time perspective,” which refers to the ability to see oneself in the future and make decisions that align with long-term goals. He argues that developing a strong time perspective is essential for making intentional decisions that prioritize the future over short-term temptations.
• The Importance of Goal-Setting: Hershfield emphasizes the importance of setting clear, specific, and achievable goals for the future. He provides readers with a step-by-step process for setting effective goals and tracking progress.
• The Role of Identity in Decision-Making: Hershfield argues that our identities play a crucial role in shaping our decisions and behaviors. He encourages readers to align their actions with their core values and beliefs in order to build a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
• The Impact of Small Choices: Hershfield highlights the significance of small, everyday choices in shaping our long-term outcomes. He provides readers with strategies for making better decisions in the present that will benefit them in the future.
• The Importance of Self-Reflection: Hershfield emphasizes the importance of self-reflection in achieving our goals. He encourages readers to regularly reflect on their progress, identify areas for improvement, and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Strengths:

• Practical Advice: “Your Future Self” is filled with actionable strategies that readers can apply to their daily lives. Hershfield provides concrete examples and exercises that help readers put his advice into practice.
• Science-Backed Insights: The book is grounded in the latest research from psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics, providing readers with a deeper understanding of why certain strategies are effective.
• Accessible Language: Hershfield’s writing style is clear and accessible, making the book easy to understand for readers with no prior knowledge of personal finance or economics.

Weaknesses:

• Lack of Case Studies: While Hershfield provides numerous examples of real-life scenarios, the book could benefit from more in-depth case studies that illustrate the effectiveness of his strategies.
• Limited Focus: The book primarily focuses on financial and professional goals, with less attention given to personal and emotional well-being. Some readers may find that the book does not address all aspects of their lives.

Target Audience:

“Your Future Self” is primarily aimed at individuals who are looking to improve their financial and professional lives, but the strategies can be applied to a wide range of goals and areas of life. The book is suitable for readers of all ages and backgrounds, from young adults just starting their careers to retirees looking to make the most of their golden years.

In conclusion, “Your Future Self” is a valuable resource for anyone looking to make intentional decisions that align with their long-term goals. Hershfield’s strategies are backed by scientific research and are practical enough to be applied to daily life. While the book could benefit from more case studies and a broader focus, it is an essential read for anyone looking to build a better future for themselves.

Review 11

Certainly! I have read “Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today” by Hal Hershfield, and I’m happy to provide a detailed review.

Overview:
“Your Future Self” is a thought-provoking and insightful book that explores the idea of personal growth and development through the lens of the future self. Hal Hershfield, a cognitive scientist and author, examines the relationship between the present and future selves, and provides practical strategies for readers to make tomorrow better today.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of the Future Self: Hershfield introduces the concept of the “future self,” which he defines as the ideal version of ourselves that we aspire to become. He argues that the future self is a powerful tool for personal growth, as it allows us to imagine and work towards a better version of ourselves.
• The Present Self-Future Self Continuum: Hershfield posits that the present self and future self exist on a continuum, with the present self representing our current state and the future self representing our aspirations. He suggests that by focusing on the future self, we can gain a better understanding of our current self and the steps we need to take to reach our goals.
• The Importance of Foresight: Hershfield emphasizes the importance of foresight, or the ability to imagine and plan for the future. He argues that by developing our foresight skills, we can make better decisions today that will lead to a better tomorrow.
• The Role of Mindset: Hershfield discusses the role of mindset in shaping our future selves. He argues that by adopting a growth mindset, which is characterized by a willingness to learn, adapt, and take risks, we can create a better future for ourselves.
• Practical Strategies for Improvement: Hershfield provides practical strategies for readers to make tomorrow better today. These strategies include setting meaningful goals, developing a growth mindset, practicing gratitude, and investing in personal growth.

Strengths and Weaknesses:

Strengths:

• Insightful: Hershfield provides valuable insights into the relationship between the present and future selves, and offers practical strategies for personal growth.
• Accessible: The book is well-written and easy to understand, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.
• Practical: The strategies provided in the book are practical and easy to implement, making it a useful resource for readers looking to make positive changes in their lives.

Weaknesses:

• Lacks Depth: While the book provides valuable insights, it lacks depth in some areas, such as the scientific research supporting the author’s claims.
• Some Ideas Are Overstated: Some of the ideas presented in the book, such as the importance of setting meaningful goals, are overstated and could be more nuanced.

Conclusion:
“Your Future Self” is a thought-provoking and insightful book that provides practical strategies for personal growth and development. Hershfield’s writing is accessible and easy to understand, making it a useful resource for readers looking to make positive changes in their lives. While the book lacks depth in some areas and some ideas are overstated, it is a valuable addition to the self-help genre. Overall, I highly recommend “Your Future Self” to anyone looking to make tomorrow better today.

Review 12

“Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today” by Hal Hershfield is a thought-provoking book that delves into the concept of future self and its impact on our present lives. The book offers practical strategies and insights to help readers make better decisions and create a better future for themselves.

Hershfield, a professor of marketing and psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles, draws on extensive research in psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics to explain why we often struggle to make decisions that benefit our future selves. He argues that our brains are wired to prioritize short-term gains over long-term benefits, and that this tendency can lead to decisions that harm our future well-being.

The book begins by exploring the concept of the “time inconsistent self,” which refers to the tendency for our preferences and values to change over time. Hershfield uses relatable examples to illustrate how our current selves often make decisions that our future selves may regret, such as saving money for retirement or exercising regularly. He also highlights the role of cognitive biases, such as the “present bias,” which can lead us to prioritize immediate gratification over long-term goals.

One of the book’s key takeaways is the importance of developing a “future-oriented mindset.” Hershfield provides practical strategies for cultivating this mindset, such as imagining ourselves in the future, setting specific goals, and creating a “future self” avatar. He also emphasizes the importance of developing self-compassion and recognizing that our future selves are not separate entities, but rather extensions of our current selves.

The book also delves into the role of technology in shaping our future selves. Hershfield discusses the potential benefits and risks of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, and how they can impact our well-being and decision-making. He argues that these technologies can be powerful tools for improving our lives, but we must be mindful of their potential negative consequences and use them responsibly.

Throughout the book, Hershfield provides engaging examples and case studies to illustrate his points. He also offers practical exercises and strategies for readers to apply the concepts to their own lives. For example, he suggests creating a “future self” letter, in which readers write to their future selves, outlining their goals and aspirations. He also encourages readers to engage in “mental time travel,” which involves imagining themselves in different scenarios in the future and reflecting on how their current decisions may impact those scenarios.

One of the book’s strengths is its accessible and engaging writing style. Hershfield uses clear and concise language to explain complex concepts, making the book accessible to readers with little background in psychology or neuroscience. The book is also well-structured, with each chapter building on the previous one to create a cohesive narrative.

In summary, “Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today” is a thought-provoking and practical guide to helping readers create a better future for themselves. Hal Hershfield’s expertise in psychology and marketing shines through in his engaging writing style and well-researched examples. The book offers valuable insights and strategies for anyone looking to make positive changes in their lives and create a brighter future for themselves.

Review 13

“Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today” by Hal Hershfield is an insightful and practical guide that explores the concept of self-control and its impact on our future selves. Hershfield, a renowned expert in psychology and behavioral economics, offers a wealth of knowledge and actionable strategies to help readers make better decisions in the present that align with their long-term goals.

The book begins by delving into the science behind our ability to envision and connect with our future selves. Hershfield explains how our brains process time and the psychological barriers that prevent us from fully considering the consequences of our actions in the distant future. Drawing from extensive research and real-life examples, he convincingly demonstrates the importance of bridging the gap between our present and future selves to lead more fulfilling lives.

One of the standout features of “Your Future Self” is Hershfield’s ability to distill complex psychological concepts into accessible and relatable explanations. He provides practical tips and exercises to help readers strengthen their self-control and make choices that serve their long-term well-being. Through engaging storytelling and thought-provoking anecdotes, the author effectively illustrates the potential consequences of neglecting our future selves and the rewards of prioritizing their needs.

Hershfield explores various domains of life where self-control plays a pivotal role, including personal finance, health and fitness, career development, and relationships. By examining each of these areas, he offers tailored strategies and techniques to overcome common obstacles and make positive changes. Whether it’s saving for retirement, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, or fostering meaningful connections, the book equips readers with the tools they need to make sustainable choices that benefit their future selves.

Moreover, “Your Future Self” delves into the role of technology and its impact on our ability to plan for the future. Hershfield explores the ways in which our digital lives can both hinder and enhance our capacity for self-control. He provides valuable insights on managing distractions, leveraging technology for self-improvement, and creating systems that support long-term thinking.

Throughout the book, Hershfield emphasizes the power of empathy and perspective-taking as essential components of connecting with our future selves. By cultivating a sense of compassion and understanding towards the person we will become, he argues that we can overcome short-term temptations and make choices that align with our long-term goals and values.

While “Your Future Self” is dense with research findings and scientific references, Hershfield maintains a conversational and engaging tone that keeps readers invested. The book strikes a balance between theory and practice, providing a solid foundation of knowledge while offering tangible steps for personal growth.

In conclusion, “Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today” is a compelling and enlightening book that empowers readers to take charge of their lives and make decisions that benefit their future selves. Hal Hershfield’s expertise shines through as he seamlessly combines scientific research, practical advice, and relatable anecdotes to create a comprehensive guide for personal transformation. Whether you’re seeking financial stability, improved health, or a more fulfilling career, this book offers valuable insights and strategies to help you bridge the gap between your present and future selves.

Review 14

Here is a review of the book “Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today” by Hal Hershfield:

This book discusses the concept of envisioning one’s future self as a way to motivate positive behavior change in the present. Hal Hershfield, a psychologist and professor, explores how picturing where we’ll be decades from now can prompt us to make better choices today regarding things like finances, health, relationships and personal growth.

Through explaining his own research findings as well as citing other studies, Hershfield demonstrates that developing a strong mental impression of who we want to become in the future makes us more likely to take actions aligned with that future self now. Our present-day decisions and habits start to reflect the values and lifestyle we envision for our aged persona down the road. Since we feel psychologically connected to both our current and future selves, prioritizing the well-being of one motivates caring for the other.

The book coachers readers on how to build a vivid mental image of their future self through concrete visualization techniques. It encourages envisioning very specific milestones, appearances, accomplishments and relationships that may exist decades ahead. Regularly revisiting this future self-portrait strengthens the psychological link between present and future thought, increasing motivation to work and save for later. Letters from one’s future self are another tactic discussed for driving home the impact of today’s decisions on tomorrow.

Case studies are presented of people who consciously deployed future self-visualization to achieve meaningful life goals. Their motivating visions ranged from retiring debt-free, traveling the world, running marathons into their 70s or leaving a philanthropic legacy. Readers are guided to define their own aspirational future self through values clarification and setting small structured goals as steps toward it.

Overall, the book provides a thought-provoking framework grounded in psychology for proactively designing a future we’re inspired to bring about through present-day effort. It invites cultivating both motivation and mindset through regularly refining a heartfelt vision of who we want to evolve into for the benefit of our future well-being and happiness.

Review 15

Summary:
“Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today” by Hal Hershfield is a captivating self-help book that delves into the concept of future selves and provides actionable strategies to bridge the gap between our present and future selves. Hershfield, a renowned psychologist and expert in the field of decision-making and time perspective, offers valuable insights and practical advice on how to make choices today that align with our long-term goals and aspirations.

Review:
Hal Hershfield’s “Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today” is an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between our present and future selves. The book takes readers on a journey to understand how our decisions and actions in the present can shape our future lives. Hershfield combines scientific research, real-life examples, and relatable anecdotes to present a comprehensive guide that empowers readers to make positive changes in their lives.

One of the book’s strengths lies in Hershfield’s ability to distill complex psychological concepts into accessible and practical advice. He introduces the concept of “future self” and explains how our perception of our future selves can influence our decision-making processes. By helping readers develop a deeper connection and empathy with their future selves, Hershfield encourages them to make choices that prioritize long-term well-being over short-term gratification.

Throughout the book, Hershfield provides readers with a range of strategies and techniques to bridge the gap between their present and future selves. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals, creating implementation intentions, and developing habits that support our desired future outcomes. The author also addresses common psychological barriers, such as procrastination and temptation, and offers strategies to overcome them effectively.

What sets “Your Future Self” apart is Hershfield’s ability to strike a balance between scientific rigor and practical applicability. He draws on a wealth of research from psychology, behavioral economics, and neuroscience, but presents the information in a way that is accessible to readers from all walks of life. The book is filled with relatable examples and exercises that allow readers to reflect on their own lives and apply the principles discussed.

Moreover, Hershfield’s writing style is engaging and conversational, making the book an enjoyable read. He combines personal anecdotes with research findings, making the content relatable and relaying complex ideas in a digestible manner. The book is well-structured, with each chapter building upon the previous one, creating a cohesive narrative that guides readers towards a deeper understanding of their future selves.

While “Your Future Self” offers valuable insights and practical advice, it is worth noting that some readers may find the content repetitive at times. The book reiterates certain concepts and strategies throughout different chapters, which can be both beneficial for reinforcement and slightly redundant for those seeking new information.

In conclusion, “Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today” by Hal Hershfield is an exceptional book that offers a fresh perspective on personal growth and decision-making. Hershfield’s expertise in the field shines through as he guides readers towards understanding the importance of their future selves and provides actionable steps to align their present actions with their long-term goals. Whether you’re seeking personal development or looking to make positive changes in your life, this book is a valuable resource that will inspire and empower you to become the best version of yourself.

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