Hey ,
Remember that social media trend that described meeting your younger self for a cup of coffee? The internet went wild for it, creating short films that were teeming with themes of forgiveness, encouragement, and a sense of cheerleading for our innocence.
The exercise of mentoring our younger selves felt easy. After all, we've been there, done that and may even still have the t-shirt. But lately, I've been challenging my clients with a new version of this exercise:
If the wisdom we've gathered along the way is an effective tool for mentoring our younger selves, could it also serve as a comfort for the future?
This isn't just a rhetorical question - there's been some real research behind the concept. In 2011, Dr. Hal Hershfield, a psychologist and researcher, found that when people felt more connected to their future selves, they are better at making decisions that benefit their long-term well-being.
In his famous study, he used virtual reality to show participants what they would look like in old age. The results? Those who felt this strong connection to their future self were more likely to save for retirement. The logic is simple: when we see our future self as a real person, we're more likely to care for them, just as we would a loved one.
You don't need to download an AI app to engage in this experiment, there are many ways to connect to a future self and see them as real - something I call "future self-care." Lately, when working with clients who are finding it challenging to support themselves in the here an now, we work on brainstorming ways to care for the future version of them. Even the near future version can be helpful:
- Does the weekend version of you need to be hydrated? How many glasses of water will it take to get them there this week?
- Does the holiday version of you need to be centered? Based on last year, what are some things you can say yes to and some things you can say no to?
Of course, we can use this for things like retirement and bigger goal setting, but for a short-term strategy (especially for the caregivers out there) turning your care for others towards someone in the future (you!) can be a useful tool to help yourself in times where you can't find a compelling reason.
This week, I want to offer you a way to put this into practice. Choose one thing to care for your future self from one of the following categories:
- Nourish Your Health - Choose an act that will help your future physical health - make an appointment, move your body etc.
- Nourish Your Wealth - Choose an act that will help your future financial health - Refine your resume, cancel subscriptions you no longer use, open a savings account.
- Nourish Your Peace - Choose an act that will help your mind - sit in the grass, start up your journal again, reach out to a friend, set up a quiet space in your house for peace.
I hope this perspective helps you see your future self as someone worth caring for today - in the present.
Living Well With You, Not At You,
Coach JZ (Jenna)
P.S. If you feel like your resilience could use a pick me up, that's definitely in my professional wheelhouse. Not sure? Through a consult, we can find out if a referral is what you need right now and I'll be happy to point you in the right direction towards a mental health professional if needed. Book below.
P.P.S. Fall health coaching spots are opening soon. If you've been considering working with me, hit reply and let's chat. I'll be opening 3 weekly/bi-weekly spaces (high support) and will have more info about a new (very affordable) 6- month accountability coaching program coming soon!
Save The Dates:
Group Pilates & Fitness Classes at It's Lit Studio:
September Schedule:
Mondays - 6pm: Sweat and Shine
7:30pm: Weekly Reset Pilates - all levels (this is a postural reset class with a special meditation at the end)
Wednesdays - 6pm: Step and Stretch (step aerobics)
Thursdays - 6pm: Inner Circle Pilates ( a magic-circle-based, inclusive class with lots of variations)
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