“If you want something you’ve never had, you have to start thinking, feeling, and acting like the person who already has it.”

Unlocking Your Future Self: How to Break Free from Feeling Stuck

Have you ever felt like you’re living the same day over and over again?

Like you should be happy because everything in your life looks great on the outside—but deep down, something is missing?

That’s what I call being stuck in a rut—and trust me, I’ve been there. But the truth is, the way out isn’t about changing your circumstances. It’s about changing who you are becoming.

This is where Future Self work comes in. It’s a science-backed approach that helps you stop waiting for change and start being the version of you who already has the life you desire. And in this blog, I’m going to show you exactly how to do it.

What is Future Self Work? (And Why It’s Not Just Daydreaming)

The concept of the Future Self isn’t just about imagining who you want to be. It’s an actual, science-backed approach to transformation.

💡 Research shows that when you develop a strong connection with your Future Self, you make better decisions, stick to your goals, and live a more fulfilling life.

Dr. Hal Hershfield, a psychologist at UCLA, found that people who vividly imagine their Future Self are more likely to save money, take care of their health, and make choices that benefit their long-term happiness.

This isn’t about sitting back and waiting for the universe to deliver your dream life. It’s about actively shaping it—starting today.

✨ "Your future depends on what you do today." — Mahatma Gandhi

How I Discovered the Power of Future Self Work

The first time I encountered this idea wasn’t even in the coaching world—it was through a conversation my husband had with his boss years ago.

At the time, he was working incredibly hard, hoping to get promoted. He was taking extra classes, showing up early, doing all the right things… but he kept getting passed over for people with less experience.

Frustrated, he finally asked his boss: “Why am I not getting promoted?”

And his boss responded with something that made no sense at first:

💬 “You have to be the portfolio manager before you get the title. You have to do the work as if you’re already in that role, and then the title will catch up to you.”

At first, we thought, What kind of nonsense is this? But then it clicked—this wasn’t about doing more work; it was about becoming the version of him who already was a portfolio manager.

So he started thinking, acting, and making decisions like he was already in that role. And guess what? A month later, he got the promotion.

That was my first glimpse into the power of Future Self work. And since then, I’ve used it to transform my own life—losing weight, growing my business, and helping countless women break free from the feeling of being stuck.

The #1 Mistake People Make with Goal-Setting

Most people approach goals like this:

❌ I want to lose 20 pounds.
❌ I want to make $100K in my business.
❌ I want to be more confident.

But here’s the problem: Goals without identity shifts don’t stick.

Instead of focusing on just what to do, focus on who you need to become:

✅ I am a person who prioritizes her health.
✅ I am a successful entrepreneur.
✅ I am confident in my decisions.

💡 When you start being your Future Self now, your results naturally follow.

✨ "Your habits shape your identity, and your identity shapes your habits." — James Clear, Atomic Habits

How to Start Becoming Your Future Self Today

If you’re wondering, Okay, Thais, but how do I actually start doing this?—I’ve got you covered. Here are three simple but powerful steps to help you step into your Future Self right now:

1. Journal from the Perspective of Your Future Self 📝

Write about your life a year from now as if it has already happened.

Ask yourself:

What decisions did I make to get here?

How do I feel waking up every morning?

What habits helped me get to this version of myself?

This helps you create a clear, vivid vision of your Future Self—one that you actually belong to.

2. Ask Yourself: "What Would My Future Self Do?" 💭

Before making any decision—whether it’s about food, business, or relationships—pause and ask yourself:

🤔 What would my Future Self choose in this moment?

This tiny shift in thinking can have a massive impact over time.

💡 Your Future Self already has the answers. Start listening to her.

3. Create a Vision Board (That’s About WHO You’re Becoming) ✨

Most vision boards focus on material things—cars, dream houses, vacations. But what if you made one that reflected who you are becoming?

🖼️ Fill it with:

✔️ Words that describe your Future Self (confident, joyful, radiant).
✔️ Images that reflect the way you want to feel every day.
✔️ Quotes that remind you that you are already becoming her.

Your Future Self is Closer Than You Think

I want you to really let this sink in: Your Future Self isn’t some faraway, unreachable version of you.

She’s already inside you. ✨

You don’t have to wait until next year, next month, or even tomorrow. Every small decision you make today brings you one step closer to her.

So tell me — what’s one thing your Future Self would do today?

🎧 Want to go deeper? Listen to my latest podcast episode on Future Self work.

Much love,
Thais 💛

Journaling Prompts:

Discover Your Future Self 💖

1. If I could see myself through the eyes of someone who deeply loves me, what would I notice that I don’t usually see in myself?
(This question helps you step out of self-criticism and into self-love.)

2. What are three things I’ve overcome that my Future Self would be incredibly proud of?
(Instead of focusing on what’s missing, this question helps you recognize your strength.)

3. How would I treat myself differently if I fully believed I was already enough, just as I am?
(This shifts you from self-doubt to radical self-acceptance.)

4. What is one thing I often judge myself for that I can choose to forgive today?
(Self-forgiveness is the first step in freeing yourself from old patterns.)

5. If my Future Self could send me a letter right now, what kind, loving words would she write to me?
(Imagine your Future Self already knows you’re going to be okay. What would she say to encourage you?)

6. Picture yourself one year from now, feeling deeply fulfilled, happy, and successful. Describe your life in detail. What has changed? How do you feel?
(This helps you build a clear, exciting vision of your Future Self.)

7. What daily habits does my Future Self prioritize that I am currently avoiding? Why am I avoiding them, and how can I take one small step toward them today?
(This makes your transformation feel practical and achievable.)

8. What does my Future Self believe about herself that I don’t yet fully believe? How can I start shifting toward that belief today?
(This reveals the mindset shift needed to grow into your next level.)

9. What are three qualities my Future Self embodies that I admire? How can I start practicing them in small ways today?
(When you start acting like your Future Self now, you accelerate your transformation.)

10. If I could step into my Future Self’s body for just one day, how would I speak, move, and think differently? What’s one way I can start embodying that today?
(This exercise helps you feel your Future Self now, making it easier to bridge the gap between who you are and who you are becoming.)