Present self versus future self Part 3, Getting to a healthier/happier you

You have seen that future self is often doomed to choices made by present self. Also how commitment devices can help future self battle the immediate gratification needs of present self. But even these tools have their limitations, so how do you overcome present self and help future self become who you want to become (a healthier and happier you)?

First realize its hard work! Yes, it does require more energy. So realize when you’re fatigued and tired you probably are not going to overcome present self wishes. It’s okay; don’t beat yourself up about it. Just get some rest and get ready for future self to battle the next day. Understand also that you are motivated by emotions, both present and future self. You need to find the emotions that motivate future self and keep those front and center as much as possible, but at times let present self emotions get what they need as well. Future self emotions maybe the joy that comes when you are able to play with your grandkids, the relief of not suffering a heart attack at 50 like a parent, or the excitement be able to travel when you get older and not be limited, or what ever might work for you. You all have different emotions and different emotions that motivate you; you need to find that emotion that is going to be your motivator for your future self.

Also realize the environment and culture you put yourself in does help, so use some commitment devices and wise choices when motivation and will power is at its peak performance to make that environment a little easier for future self. They did a neat study with college students. One group of students had to sit in a room full of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and they were told they could not eat them. The other group was allowed to eat as much as they pleased. After 15 minutes in the room each was taken to a different room to do a math problem. This math problem was unsolvable, so eventually students from both groups gave up. The ones that had to use more will power to not eat the cookies gave up a lot sooner then those that were allowed to eat as many cookies as they wished. Moral of the story, don’t put yourself in situations that are going to make you use up your will power energy source. You need to create a healthy culture to help future self battle present self.

Some of you will have less will power then others, but it can be built up in all of us by being aware of its limitations and improving the culture that it works in. This increases your self-efficacy in knowing that you have some control over working to becoming the future self you want to be.