Introduction
In "Be Your Future Self Now," Dr. Benjamin Hardy presents a revolutionary approach to personal growth and development. The book challenges the traditional notion that our past determines our future, instead proposing that we are pulled forward by our vision of our future selves. This groundbreaking perspective offers readers a powerful tool for reshaping their lives and achieving their full potential.
Hardy's work is built on the foundation of positive psychology, a field that emerged in the 1990s and turned the deterministic view of human behavior on its head. Rather than being solely products of our past experiences, we are constantly motivated by our desires and fears about the future. This realization opens up a world of possibilities for personal transformation.
The book is structured around three main sections: seven threats to your future self, seven truths about your future self, and seven steps to making this transformation a reality. While we won't cover every aspect in detail, this summary will provide you with key insights from each category, equipping you with the tools to begin your journey towards becoming your future self today.
Section One: All in the Narrative
One of the most significant threats to your future self is the way you interpret your past experiences. Hardy illustrates this point with a personal story about a tragic car accident he was involved in as a teenager. The accident left his mother severely injured and in constant pain for two decades. However, rather than becoming bitter, his mother chose to frame the incident as a pivotal moment that clarified her purpose in life: raising her three boys.
This powerful example demonstrates that it's not the specific events in our lives that shape us, but rather the meaning we assign to them. Research supports this idea, showing that the narrative we create around our experiences has a far greater impact on our future selves than the experiences themselves.
The key takeaway here is that we have the power to craft our own narrative. When faced with challenging or traumatic experiences, we can choose to view them as opportunities for growth and transformation rather than as insurmountable obstacles. By reframing our past in a way that serves our future self, we can turn even our hardest moments into valuable teachers.
Section Two: Entering the Arena
Another significant threat to your future self is the fear of failure. Many people allow this fear to hold them back from pursuing their dreams and reaching their full potential. However, Hardy argues that playing it safe is actually failing by default.
He references Theodore Roosevelt's famous "Man in the Arena" speech, which emphasizes that the credit belongs to those who dare to strive and act, even if they sometimes fall short. This perspective reframes failure as a necessary part of growth and achievement rather than something to be avoided at all costs.
Hardy encourages readers to consider what goals they would set for themselves if they knew they couldn't fail. By removing the fear of failure from the equation, we can tap into our true aspirations and start taking massive action towards achieving them.
The book emphasizes that while entering the arena of life comes with risks, it's the only way to reap the greatest rewards. Staying on the sidelines guarantees that you'll never even glimpse your full capacity. By embracing the possibility of failure as part of the journey, you open yourself up to extraordinary growth and achievement.
Section Three: Your Future Self is Someone Else
One of the most important truths about your future self is that they will be a different person from who you are today. Hardy introduces the concept of the "end-of-history illusion," a psychological phenomenon where people tend to believe that who they are now is more or less their final form, despite recognizing significant changes in their past.
This illusion can be a major obstacle to personal growth. By accepting that change is not only possible but inevitable, we can approach our current selves with more flexibility and openness. We don't need to have all the answers right now or be overly critical of our present shortcomings. Instead, we can focus on actively shaping the person we want to become.
To accelerate your growth towards your future self, Hardy suggests setting aside time to vividly imagine who you want to be in ten years. Consider their interests, values, circumstances, goals, and achievements. Allow your imagination to run wild and create a detailed picture of this future version of yourself.
By acknowledging that your future self will be different and actively envisioning who they might be, you create a powerful pull towards that version of yourself. This vision can guide your decisions and actions in the present, helping you align your current behaviors with the person you aspire to become.
Section Four: The Hand of God
Another truth that Hardy explores is the influence of your view of God (or a higher power) on your future self. He emphasizes that this isn't about promoting any specific belief system, but rather understanding how our beliefs shape our perception of ourselves and our potential.
Hardy presents two contrasting perspectives to illustrate this point. In one view, God is seen as a potter and humans as pottery, creating a fundamental distinction between creator and creation. This perspective might limit one's sense of potential and understanding of the divine plan.
In contrast, another view sees God as a parent and humans as literal children of God. This perspective suggests a deeper connection and similarity between humans and the divine, implying that we have the potential to grow and become more like God over time.
The book argues that operating from a perspective similar to the second view can radically redefine what we believe is possible for ourselves. If we see our future selves as having the potential to evolve into something divine or godlike, it shifts our current state from one of lack and limitation to one of abundance and expansion.
Hardy encourages readers to choose a belief system that empowers their future self rather than limits it. While the choice of belief is personal, it's important to recognize the profound impact it can have on shaping your future self and your perception of what's possible in your life.
Section Five: Systemizing Success
As you begin to take action towards becoming your future self, Hardy emphasizes the importance of systemizing and scheduling your efforts. He shares a personal example of how setting up an automatic weekly investment dramatically improved his financial situation with minimal ongoing effort.
The key to this approach is making the actions and behaviors of your future self as frictionless as possible. By creating systems that automate or simplify the steps towards your goals, you remove many of the barriers that might otherwise hold you back. These systems should evolve as you grow, adapting to your changing needs and aspirations.
In addition to systemization, Hardy stresses the importance of rigorous scheduling. Many people allow their calendars to be dominated by urgent but less important tasks, leaving little time for activities that truly contribute to their growth and long-term goals. To combat this, Hardy suggests treating future self actions as non-negotiable appointments, scheduling them first and working other tasks around them.
By leveraging the power of systems and schedules, you can create a consistent pull towards your future self. This approach helps you make steady progress towards your goals, even when motivation fluctuates or life gets busy.
Section Six: Done is Better than Perfect
As you gain momentum in your journey towards your future self, Hardy introduces the practice of consistent completion. He emphasizes the importance of finishing projects and tasks, even when they feel imperfect or incomplete.
To illustrate this point, Hardy shares a quote from Leonardo da Vinci: "Art is never finished, only abandoned." This perspective challenges the notion of perfectionism and encourages a more pragmatic approach to personal growth and achievement.
The book argues that anything you produce now will inevitably be surpassed by what your future self produces later. However, it's only by completing imperfect work today that your future self has the opportunity to improve and excel tomorrow. Hardy provides examples from his own life, such as the improvement in his writing from his first book to his latest, and the evolution of his parenting approach with each child.
This principle applies not only to completing tasks but also to quitting things that no longer serve your future self. Hardy challenges the common adage that "quitters never win and winners never quit," arguing instead for a more nuanced approach. He encourages readers to stay committed to their vision of their future self, even if that means letting go of ideas or behaviors associated with their former self.
By prioritizing completion over perfection, you give yourself the opportunity to learn, grow, and improve continuously. This approach allows you to make tangible progress towards your goals while developing the skills and experiences that will shape your future self.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Your Future Self
"Be Your Future Self Now" presents a powerful framework for personal transformation. By understanding the threats to your future self, embracing the truths about who you can become, and implementing practical steps towards that vision, you can radically change the course of your life.
The book encourages readers to move beyond the limitations of their past and current selves, instead focusing on the expansive possibilities of their future selves. It challenges us to think bigger, dream more audaciously, and take consistent action towards becoming the person we aspire to be.
Hardy's approach combines psychological insights with practical strategies, offering a balanced and actionable path to personal growth. By reframing our past experiences, overcoming our fear of failure, envisioning our future selves, aligning our beliefs with our aspirations, systemizing our success, and prioritizing completion over perfection, we can accelerate our journey towards becoming our best selves.
The book concludes with a powerful quote from Marianne Williamson: "Your playing small does not serve the world." This sentiment encapsulates the core message of "Be Your Future Self Now" – that by fully embracing our potential and actively working towards becoming our future selves, we not only improve our own lives but also contribute more meaningfully to the world around us.
In essence, "Be Your Future Self Now" is a call to action. It challenges readers to step beyond their comfort zones, confront their limiting beliefs, and take consistent, purposeful steps towards becoming the person they truly want to be. By connecting with and actively working towards our future selves, we can unlock unprecedented levels of growth, achievement, and fulfillment in our lives.
The journey of personal transformation is ongoing, and the concept of our "future self" is always evolving. However, by applying the principles and practices outlined in this book, we can begin to bridge the gap between who we are today and who we aspire to become. The power to shape our future lies in our hands, and it starts with the actions we take today.
As you close this book and reflect on its teachings, consider this: What steps can you take right now to begin manifesting your future self? How can you reframe your past, systemize your success, and commit to consistent growth and completion? By embracing these ideas and putting them into practice, you can start being your future self now, setting in motion a powerful transformation that will ripple through every aspect of your life.
Remember, the future is not something that happens to you – it's something you create. So dare to dream big, take bold action, and commit to becoming the best version of yourself. Your future self is waiting, and the journey to meet them begins today.