180. Unlocking Your Future Self: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing

This interview podcast features Matt Abrahams interviewing Hal Hershfield, author of "Your Future Self," about the importance of connecting with one's future self to improve present well-being. The conversation explores common mistakes people make when considering their future (like procrastination and failing to account for changing interests), and offers practical techniques such as writing letters to one's past and future selves to foster a more vivid and emotionally connected vision of the future. Hershfield emphasizes the importance of viewing one's future self as a separate person deserving of care, and suggests strategies like temptation bundling and commitment devices to bridge the gap between present sacrifices and future gains. The interview concludes with a discussion on the ingredients of successful communication, highlighting perspective-taking, clarity, and simplicity as key elements. Listeners gain actionable advice on improving self-awareness, goal setting, and procrastination management.