👤 See Your Future Self—Before It’s Too Late

By Dave Smith, The Ultimate Retirement Coach
#RetirementPlanning #FutureSelf #HealthyAging #LifeDesign #FinancialWellness #BehavioralScience

🧠 One Big Idea: You’ll Make Better Retirement Decisions When You Know Your Future Self

In the book Your Future Self, behavioral psychologist Hal Hershfield shares something powerful: most people make short-sighted choices not because they’re lazy or irrational, but because their future self feels like a stranger. This highlights the importance to See Your Future Self – Before It’s Too Late.

That disconnect leads us to overspend, under-prepare, and neglect our health—all at the expense of the person we’re becoming.

But research shows: when you visualize, write to, or connect with your future self, you’re more likely to make better, values-driven decisions today. You’ll save more, eat better, and take smarter risks. That’s the foundation of a successful retirement—not just financially, but emotionally and purposefully.

❓ One Powerful Question:

What Would My Future Self Thank Me For Today?

Fast-forward 10 years. What would the you of 2035 be grateful for?

Would they thank you for walking every morning? For finally taking that trip to Ireland? For downsizing to simplify your life—or finally starting that blog, or reconnecting with your kids?

You already have the wisdom. You just need the reminder.

✍️ One Exercise: Write a Letter from Your Future Self

This week, try this 15-minute writing prompt based on Hal Hershfield’s insights.

Step 1: Visualize Your Future Self

Close your eyes. Picture yourself 10 years from now.
Where are you? What are your days like? Who’s around you? How does your body feel? What are you proud of?

Step 2: Write the Letter

Start with this line:

“Dear Me—Here’s what I want you to know…”

Let your future self give you honest, kind guidance. What habits, changes, or priorities will make their life better?

Step 3: Make It Count

Revisit this letter one month from now. Reflect on how you’re aligning your choices with your long-term vision.
Email it to yourself using your email service or simply adding as a repeating calendar appointment – Get a yearly reminder of what matters most.

✅ Free Worksheet: Connect with Your Future Self

Download this simple fill-in-the-blank worksheet to complete the exercise now or later.
(You can copy/paste or print the text below for personal use.)

📄 My Future Self Letter Worksheet

Picture your future self. Answer these prompts before writing your letter.

Where do I live in 10 years?
→ ___________________________________________
What am I doing that brings me joy?
→ ___________________________________________
Who is around me—who matters most?
→ ___________________________________________
What am I proud of accomplishing or becoming?
→ ___________________________________________

Now write your letter from your future self:

Dear Me—Here’s what I want you to know:
(Sign it with love—from your future self.)

💬 What insights came up for you?
Drop a comment —I’d love to hear how this landed for you.

📩 Dave Smith | The Ultimate Retirement Coach
Helping purpose-driven professionals turn decades of experience into their best chapter yet.

#FutureSelf #RetirementWellness #HalHershfield #RetirementCoach #LifelongGrowth #PositiveAging #PersonalDevelopment #LongevityMindset #SelfReflection#retirementplanning