Welcome to Our Latest Newsletter! 

📚 Read Time: 13 Minutes

Welcome to Day 3 of our weekly newsletters aligned with the 7 Days for Defining Purpose course! Over the past two weeks, we’ve explored the foundational steps to creating a meaningful life: identifying your core values and discovering your deeper “why.” Now, we take another transformative step by envisioning the person you want to become—your future self. 

At Tiger Resilience, the journey of transformation is anchored in our five pillars: Purpose, Planning, Practice, Perseverance, and Providence. Visualizing and connecting with your future self embodies each of these pillars, allowing you to craft a life of holistic growth in body, mind, heart, and spirit. This week, we dive deeply into the psychology and actionable strategies that enable you to bridge the gap between who you are now and who you’re meant to become. 

Envisioning our future selves is something we all do, often without realizing it. We daydream about the career we want, the lifestyle we hope to achieve, or the person we aspire to be. But there’s a significant difference between passive daydreaming and actively creating a connection with our future selves. By taking intentional steps to align your present actions with your future aspirations, you empower your journey toward meaningful transformation. 

Let’s explore what the “future self” really is and how embracing this concept can transform your decisions and your life. 

If you’re ready to dig deeper, check out our course: 

👉 Path to Purpose: A 7-Day Journey to Clarity and Intentional Living in 2025 

Michael's Perspective: Embracing Delayed Gratification 

I’ve always been someone who craved immediacy. Like many in the millennial and/or Gen Z age demographics, I grew up in a world where instant gratification wasn’t just an occasional experience—it became the norm. Whether it’s the endless stream of short-form content on social media or the convenience of same-day delivery, our culture rewards us for expecting quick results. It’s no wonder that, for so many of us, the idea of committing to something long-term feels daunting, even unattainable. 

But one of the reasons I’m so passionate about physical health, exercise, and nutrition is because these areas simply don’t allow for shortcuts. If you want to improve your metabolic health, build muscle, endurance, or enhance your biomarkers and address current or future health complications, there’s no way to fast-track the process. True, lasting health can only be achieved through sustained effort over time—in other words, through delayed gratification. 

I’ve seen this play out not only in my own life but also in the lives of countless others. People start fitness journeys hoping to see dramatic results in a matter of weeks because that’s the expectation set by flashy social media transformations. These unrealistic narratives skew our sense of what’s possible and foster a mindset that equates effort with failure if results aren’t immediate. 

Take, for example, “Quitters’ Day,” which falls on the second Friday of January. Studies show this is the day when many people abandon their New Year’s resolutions, especially those related to fitness. Why? Because the results they hoped for haven’t materialized yet. It’s a clear reflection of our collective struggle with delayed gratification and the unrealistic timelines we’ve internalized. 

The reality is that meaningful change—whether in physical health, personal growth, or professional success—requires time. Significant improvements in fitness might not appear for 10-14 weeks, let alone 10-14 days. And even then, the progress is gradual. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. Each workout, each healthy meal, and each intentional choice builds on the last, creating a foundation for lasting transformation. 

Of course, delayed gratification isn’t just a challenge in the realm of physical health. I’ve struggled with it in other areas of my life, too. Whether it’s improving my social skills, building relationships, or finding innovative ways to promote Tiger Resilience, I’ve often felt the tension between where I want to be and where I am. This is what psychologists call incongruence (discussed further down)—the gap between how we perceive ourselves and the reality of our current situation. When this gap is unaddressed, it can hinder our ability to fully connect with our future selves and achieve our goals. 

But here’s what I’ve learned: the same principles that apply to physical health also apply to personal growth. Consistency, patience, and a willingness to embrace the process are essential. Every small action—whether it’s showing up for a workout or taking a step toward professional development—is a vote for the person you want to become. 

In exercise science, we talk about concepts like progressive overload and adaptation. These principles state that your body will only grow stronger and more resilient when it’s consistently challenged over time. Similarly, becoming your future self is a process of continual adaptation—of stretching just beyond your comfort zone and allowing time to work its magic. 

So, as you think about your own journey toward becoming your future self, I encourage you to embrace delayed gratification. Understand that the small, intentional choices you make each day are not insignificant. They are the building blocks of your future. And while the results may not come as quickly as you’d like, they will come. In fitness, in relationships, in business, and in life, persistence is the path to transformation. 

The hedonic treadmill keeps us chasing, but real growth comes when we step back, refocus, and run with intention toward what truly matters

Bernie's perspective: Energy Flows Where Your Focus Goes - My Journey with Visualization 

When we talk about visualization, we're not just talking about a tool; we’re talking about a transformative force. It’s the bridge between where we are and where we want to be. For me, visualization is one of my favorite topics because it’s a universal truth that touches everything from mind mapping to the law of attraction, yet at its core, it’s profoundly simple: it begins with clarity about what you want to do, be, or overcome. 

Let me take you back to when this realization first took hold of me. I was 19, and life had already thrown me some serious challenges. At 17, I had faced homelessness, a result of a fractured family life. Those experiences had shaped me, but they hadn’t defined me. By 19, I was slowly finding my footing, determined to build a life of meaning and purpose. 

Music had always been my anchor, and as a multi-instrumentalist, bass guitar was my true love. I didn’t just want to play music—I wanted to thrive as a musician. But with limited resources, I knew I needed to connect with a group that shared my vision, preferably one that already had momentum. 

One night, I went to see a band with a friend. As I watched their guitarist—his precision and skill—I knew they were special. I visualized myself as their bass player, imagining what we could accomplish together. I could see it all: the chemistry, the growth, and the success we could achieve as a team. When I shared this dream with my friend, they were skeptical. After all, this band was older and far more experienced than I was. 

But here’s the thing about visualization: it doesn’t just help you see what’s possible—it pushes you to become the person capable of achieving it. I focused not on the gap between me and them but on the opportunities my unique contributions could create. I visualized myself playing with them and worked relentlessly to hone my craft. 

A month later, the band began transitioning. They added a new lead singer and—here’s the kicker—were looking for a bass player who could also play other instruments. It was my moment. Armed with the address of their drummer, I hitchhiked to his house, introduced myself, and made my case. 

Was I confident? Yes. Was I still battling self-doubt from my past struggles? Absolutely. But I leaned into my visualization. I had rehearsed not just the music but also the mindset and interactions. I saw myself as the missing piece to their puzzle. That vision became my reality. I joined the band, and together, we thrived. I grew as a musician and as a person, learning invaluable lessons from their collective experience. 

Fast forward to 2017, when the seeds of Tiger Resilience began to take root. Once again, visualization was my guide. I saw an opportunity to take my lived experiences, my professional expertise, and my passion for transformation and create something that could empower others to overcome adversity. 

Here’s what I’ve learned: Visualization isn’t about wishful thinking. It’s about clarity, focus, and action. It’s about directing your energy to manifest the future you want. I live by the phrase, Energy flows where your focus goes. When you focus your energy on a clear vision, it gains momentum. Doors open, opportunities appear, and you step into the life you’ve envisioned. 

This isn’t magic. It’s a skill—a gift each of us has if we choose to use it. You can harness it, refine it, and transform your life with it. Visualization took me from homelessness to hope, from self-doubt to self-belief, and from survival to thriving. And it’s something I’ll continue to share with others, just as it has transformed my life. 

So today, I challenge you to visualize. What’s your dream? What’s the life you see for yourself? Take a moment, close your eyes, and let your mind paint that picture. See the details. Feel the emotions. Then focus your energy there. Because the life you envision isn’t just possible—it’s waiting for you to claim it.

As I journeyed forward after this picture was taken (1980s), I realized that life is what we see, not circumstances or situations, just what we visualize. My life successes have manifested time and time through this belief. 

The Science and Stats Behind the Future Self 

Research into the future self has uncovered fascinating insights about how our brains, behaviors, and decisions are influenced by our connection to the person we’ll become. Let’s take a closer look at some key findings: 

Psychological Connectedness and Decision-Making 

Hal Hershfield and colleagues developed the Inclusion of Other in Self Scale, which measures the degree of overlap a person feels between their current and future selves. Using this tool, researchers have found: 

Increased Savings Behavior: Individuals who feel more connected to their future selves are 67% more likely to save for retirement and prioritize long-term financial goals. 

Healthier Lifestyle Choices: Strong future self-connection correlates with a 52% increase in consistent exercise and healthy eating habits. 

Improved Ethical Decision-Making: People who envision their future selves are 44% less likely to engage in unethical behavior, as they’re more aware of long-term consequences. 

Key Research Supporting Future Self Connection 

Hershfield’s Avatar Experiment (2011): In this experiment, participants were shown digital, age-progressed avatars of themselves in a virtual mirror. Those who interacted with their older selves showed a marked increase in their willingness to allocate money toward retirement savings. The immersive nature of seeing one’s future self vividly brought home the importance of long-term planning. 

Letter-Writing Exercises (Hershfield et al., 2011): Participants wrote letters to their future selves about their hopes and challenges. This simple intervention significantly improved their psychological connectedness to their future selves and motivated more responsible decision-making across multiple domains. 

Future Scenarios and Savings (Bartels & Urminsky, 2011): This research asked participants to imagine specific life events like retirement in vivid detail. Those who engaged in this mental exercise were far more likely to invest in savings plans, demonstrating that empathy for one’s future self can translate into tangible action. 

Behavioral Shifts with Visual Stimuli (Virtual Reality): Building on Hershfield’s avatar work, additional experiments involved high school students who interacted with avatars of their future selves. Students who participated in these visualizations were more likely to avoid delinquent behavior and engage in future-focused activities such as studying. 

Inclusion of Other in Self Scale (IOS): Hershfield adapted this tool to show overlapping circles representing current and future selves. A higher overlap score consistently predicted reduced impulsivity and stronger long-term decision-making. 

Bridging the Gap: Self-Concept and Incongruence

Self-concept refers to the beliefs, values, and characteristics we associate with ourselves. It’s the foundation of how we see our identity and plays a crucial role in shaping our decisions and behaviors.

Incongruence occurs when there’s a significant gap between how we view ourselves and the reality of our actions or experiences. For example, someone might see themselves as disciplined and goal-oriented but struggle with procrastination or inconsistency. This misalignment can lead to frustration, anxiety, or a sense of stagnation. 

The Role of the Inclusion of Other in Self Scale 

Hal Hershfield’s Inclusion of Other in Self Scale provides a framework for reducing incongruence. By increasing the perceived overlap between the present and future self, individuals are better able to align their actions with their long-term aspirations. This process involves: 

Visual Representations: Using tools like age-progressed avatars to create a vivid connection to the future self. 

Behavioral Alignment: Identifying and implementing daily actions that reflect the person you want to become. 

Consistent Reflection: Regularly revisiting goals and progress to maintain psychological connectedness. 

Reducing Incongruence 

Psychologists recommend strategies to align self-concept with reality, such as: 

Honest Reflection: Identifying where current behaviors don’t align with desired values. 

Goal Setting: Breaking down big aspirations into achievable steps. 

Accountability Practices: Tracking progress and adjusting behaviors as needed. 

Creating a Vision Statement for Your Future Self 

A vision statement acts as a guiding compass, outlining the person you aspire to become. Crafting this statement requires introspection, clarity, and actionable goals. 

Steps to Create Your Vision Statement: 

Imagine Your Ideal Future: Write down your aspirations for the next 5, 10, or 20 years. Consider your personal growth, career, relationships, health, and values. 

Focus on Core Pillars: Align your vision with the body, mind, heart, and spirit to ensure a holistic approach. 

Set SMART Goals: Break your vision into Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives. 

Visualize Daily: Regularly revisit your vision through journaling, visualization exercises, or affirmations. 

Derek Parfit’s Insights on the Future Self 

Derek Parfit, a renowned philosopher, explored the fluid nature of identity in his seminal work, Reasons and Persons. Parfit argued that our sense of self is not fixed but constantly evolving. He highlighted how recognizing our future selves as extensions of our current identity can motivate ethical and long-term thinking. 

Key Contributions: 

Psychological Continuity: Parfit emphasized the importance of seeing the future self as part of a continuous journey, rather than a distant stranger. He posited that the less connected we feel to our future selves, the more likely we are to prioritize short-term gratification over long-term benefits. 

Implications of Identity: In Reasons and Persons, Parfit challenges the notion of a singular, unchanging self, advocating for a broader perspective on how our choices today influence who we become. 

Ethical Behavior: By fostering a sense of connection to the future self, individuals are more likely to act in ways that benefit both their immediate and long-term well-being. 

For a deeper dive into Parfit’s work, explore Reasons and Persons here: Amazon Link to Reasons and Persons 

Journal Exercises: Connecting with Your Future Self 

This week, dedicate time to reflecting on your future self with these interactive prompts: 

Visualize Your Future: 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? What are your daily routines, relationships, and accomplishments? 

What habits, strengths, or values have you cultivated to become this version of yourself? 

Write a Letter to Your Future Self: 

Address your future self directly, sharing your hopes, fears, and current challenges. Reflect on how you’ll grow to overcome obstacles. 

Include specific actions or milestones you hope to achieve and how you imagine feeling once they’re accomplished. 

Identify Your "Future Self Wins": 

Break down one major goal into smaller "wins" you can work toward this week. For example, if your future self is healthier, identify three actions you can take immediately, such as meal prepping, scheduling workouts, or meditating. 

Daily Alignment Journal: 

At the end of each day, journal one action you took that aligns with the person you want to become. 

Reflect on challenges you faced and how you overcame them or plan to address them tomorrow. 

Create a Vision Board: 

Use images, words, or quotes that represent your future self’s aspirations. Place it somewhere visible to remind yourself daily of your goals. 

For a structured approach to these exercises, use our Self-Esteem Journal: Amazon Link to Self-Esteem Journal 

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Journey

Envisioning your future self is not just about imagining a better life; it’s about creating a deeper connection with the person you’re becoming. When you nurture this connection, every decision you make today becomes a step toward the future you desire. 

This week, take time to reflect, journal, and align your actions with your aspirations. Your future self is counting on you. 

Stay Resilient, 

Michael & Bernie 

Tiger Resilience

Transform your life in just 7 days!

Path to Purpose: A 7-Day Journey to Clarity and Intentional Living in 2025  

Are you ready to uncover your true purpose, align your daily actions with your values, and build a life of clarity and intention? Path to Purpose is more than just a course—it’s a transformational experience designed to help you tap into your inner strength and rise above life’s challenges.  

This transformational multimedia interactive mini-course is designed for individuals ready to create a life of meaning and fulfillment. With just 20 minutes a day, you’ll explore practical tools, exercises, and journaling prompts to discover your unique purpose and integrate it into your daily life. 

Start your new year with a renewed sense of direction and empowerment.

Our program begins on January 6th, 2025. Visit us at Tiger-Resilience.com to learn more!

References:

Hershfield, H. E., et al. (2011). “Future self-continuity: How conceptions of the future self transform intertemporal choice.” Journal of Experimental Psychology: General.

Parfit, D. (1984). Reasons and Persons. Oxford University Press. 

Frederick, S. (2002). “Time discounting and time preference: A critical review.” Journal of Economic Literature. 

Bartels, D. M., & Urminsky, O. (2011). “On intertemporal selfishness: The perceived instability of identity underlies impatient consumption.” Journal of Consumer Research. 

PositivePsychology.com. (2024). Resources on self-concept and future self.