Why Your Future Self Is A Stranger

You are not one person, but a collection of different selves that frequently disagree. Because your future preferences often clash with your current desires, you end up sabotaging your own long-term goals.

This phenomenon explains why we promise to wake up early for a workout but choose to hit the snooze button when the morning arrives. Your current self values immediate comfort, while your future self values fitness. Since these versions of you have different priorities, your plans fall apart as time passes. Recognizing this internal conflict is the first step toward tricking your brain into making better long-term decisions.