S2 #2 - What if your future self is your compass?

In this episode of The Incubate Her, we're exploring how tuning into your future self can help you overcome resistance, fear & procrastination, and take action that aligns with your long-term goals. From a rainy morning run to neuroscience-backed strategies, I'm sharing personal insights, practical tools, and leadership research that show how shifting your perspective can rewire your brain and reshape your career.

Whether you're chasing a promotion, building a habit, or just trying to get the impact you seek, this episode will help you show up for the version of you that's already done the work.

Tune in, reflect, and take one small step your future self will thank you for. Let your future self guide you!

Transcript

 You're listening to the Incubator podcast, season two, episode two. Talk about self-development, fulfillment, and career growth so you can reach your true potential. Now, your host, boing Francois. Hi everyone, and welcome back to the Incubator. This is the podcast where we explore how to grow your career in alignment with your values, your goals, and the boldest version of yourself.

I am Pauline Francois. Today's episode is what I've been really looking forward to. It's called What If Your Compass Is Your Future Self? Because sometimes the best way to make a decision in the present is to ask the version of you who's already done the hard thing. Before we dive in, here's what we're going to explore today.

First, I'll share a personal story, a rainy Sunday morning, a warm bed, and a decision that reminded me how powerful our future selves can be. Then we will talk about why this mindset shift, thinking from the perspective of your future self is so effective, especially when it comes to career growth and personal alignment.

I will walk you through four practical techniques you can start using today to activate your future self, including one of my favorites, the postcard from the future. And finally, I'll leave you with a few reflection prompts and actions you can take right now to move forward with more clarity and intention.

So whether you're listening on your commute during a walk, or curled up at home, this episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the version of you that's already done. The thing you're scared to start.

Now, let me take you back to last Sunday I had a plan, go for a run. I was motivated, committed, even excited the night before, but when Sunday morning rolled out, I opened my shoulders. It was pouring rain. The sky was gray, the bed was warm, and my motivation completely gone. So I did what many of us do. I reached for my phone, I posted on Instagram, sharing my hesitation, and within minutes, dms started rolling in.

Some were cheering me on, others were saying, same here. I can't get myself out either. That moment of connection gave me an unexpected push. I wasn't alone in this thug of war between comfort and commitment. I stayed under the covers for 15 more minutes. Then I got up I life up. I ran not just a little but 12 kilometers a distance I hadn't done in a while.

And here's the thing, I never run with a goal in mind. I always listen to my body. Even three kilometers is better than none. But that day I kept going. Not because I had to, but because I was thinking of how proud my future self would be. That moment, that decision is what today's episode is all about.

What if your compass is your future self? Let me take you to the science behind future self thinking. Here's what's even more fascinating. This isn't just a mindset trick, it's neuroscience. When we imagine our future selves, we activate the same brain regions evolved in empathy, specifically the medial prefrontal cortex.

In other words, we treat our future self like we would treat another person. Okay, and the more vividly we can picture that person, the more likely we are to make decisions that benefit them. According to the newer Leadership Institute, behavior change starts with recognizing a gap between where we are and where we want to be.

That moment of contrast between staying in bed or going for a run creates what's called cognitive dissonance. And our brains are wired to resolve that discomfort by taking action that aligns with our values and our goals. Leaders and high performers use this all the time. Dr. Heidi Grant, a social psychologist and leadership expert, says when you shift your perspective to think about what your future self needs.

You override the emotional noise of the present. And that's the key perspective isn't just a mindset, it's a muscle. And the more we practice thinking like our future selves, the easier it becomes to rewire our habits, our confidence, and our outcomes. So how do we actually do this? Here are four techniques I use and that I invite you to try.

The first one is the postcard from the future. Take 10 minutes and write a short letter from your future self, maybe six months from now, one year, or even five years ahead. Describe what you've accomplished, how you feel, and what habits helped you get there. Then ask yourself. What would that version of me want me to do today?

Try it now. Write five sentences from your future self. Keep it honest, bold, and kind. Tip number two is the 10 minute rule. When you feel resistance to writing that email to go into the gym or to speaking up in a meeting. Commit to just 10 minutes. Often starting is the hardest part. Once you begin, momentum takes over.

And if after 10 minutes you still want to stop, that's okay, but chances are you'll keep going. Micro commitments build micro confidence. Third exercise is visual anchoring. Create a visual reminder of your future self skills. A vision board, a sticky note on your mirror, a recurring calendar reminder with a message from your future self.

Keep your why in sight. Let it guide your how. I just wanna repeat this because this is so impactful. Your why is guiding your how. I would love for you to snap a photo of your visual anchor and tag me at the incubator. I'd love to see it. Fourth exercise is to do future self check-ins. At the end of each week, ask yourself, what did I do this week that my future self will appreciate, and what could I do better next week?

This builds self-awareness and helps you course correct with compassion, not guilt. Make it a ritual. Sunday reflections, mundane intentions, Sunday reflections, mundane intentions. Finally, reframing resistance. Here's a reframe I love and I often use it. This isn't about how I feel right now. It's about who I want to become and how I want to show up for myself.

That rainy Sunday morning. It wasn't about the weather, it was about choosing alignment over comfort, and that's what the incubator is all about, nurturing the version of you that's bold, intentional, and unstoppable. So here's your invitation this week, write your postcard from the future. Just five sentences, no pressure, just imagine.

Two, pick one task you've been avoiding. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Start, see what happens. Three. Share your moment of resistance. Post it. Talk about it with your colleagues, with your friends. You never know who you'll inspire or who will inspire you back. And I had love to keep the conversation going.

What's one thing your future self would thank you for today. Have you tried any of these techniques and what worked for you? Tag me on Instagram at the incubator or DM me. I'd love to hear your story and maybe even feature you in a future episode. And if this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend.

Leave a review or a hit follow. It helps more than you know.

Thanks for listening to the Incubator. I'm Paulin Francois, and I'll see you in the future. Thank you for listening to this podcast. Comment on this episode on the incubator.net. For more tips and content, visit the polling franco.net site. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and review. I appreciate your support so much and I'll talk to you soon.