PJFP.com

Pursuit of Joy, Fulfillment, and Purpose

Tag: agency

  • Bridging Time: How ‘Your Future Self’ Empowers You to Shape Tomorrow, Today

    In “Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today,” Hal Hershfield reveals an intriguing perspective on our connection with our future selves and how this affects our decision-making processes.

    Disconnection from Our Future Selves

    Hershfield’s primary observation is the root cause of many of our problems: our disconnection from our future selves. He asserts that people often perceive their future selves as strangers, leading to decisions that may not be in their long-term best interests. Such behaviors could manifest as neglecting our health, failing to save for retirement, or taking unnecessary risks.

    Creating a Dialogue with Your Future Self

    To bridge this gap, Hershfield proposes a simple yet effective strategy: initiate a dialogue with your future self. By integrating the concept of our future selves into our present lives, we become more mindful of the potential impacts of our current decisions. One of the practical ways to do this is by writing a letter to our future self and then responding from the perspective of that future self.

    The Importance of Forgiving Our Past Selves

    Another crucial insight Hershfield emphasizes is the need to forgive our past selves. He argues that acknowledging our past mistakes while maintaining self-compassion allows us to focus on changing future behaviors rather than dwelling on past errors.

    The Pitfalls of Focusing Too Much on the Present

    Hershfield warns against the pitfalls of focusing excessively on the present at the expense of the future. We often wrongly assume that our future selves will take care of the things we’re currently neglecting. Cultivating a stronger connection with our future selves helps us strike a balance between living in the present and planning for the future.

    Finding Harmony Between Present and Future Selves

    The ultimate goal is to establish a harmonious relationship between who we are now and who we will become. Hershfield’s approach is not about sacrificing the present for the future but finding satisfaction in the choices we make now and still being satisfied with them in the future. His book is a guide that aims to provide readers with a sense of agency in their journey from the present to the future.

    In summary, “Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today” offers profound insights on the interaction between our present and future selves, helping us make better decisions today that we will be proud of tomorrow.

  • Are You an NPC? A Guide to Identifying Non-Player Characters in Real Life

    Are you an NPC? It’s a question we’ve all asked ourselves at some point, especially during those moments when we feel like we’re just going through the motions of daily life. But fear not! We’ve put together this handy guide to help you determine once and for all whether you are, in fact, an NPC (non-player character).

    First things first, let’s define what an NPC is. In the context of video games, an NPC is a character that is not controlled by a player, but rather follows a predetermined set of actions and dialog. In real life, you might think of an NPC as someone who is just going through the motions, following societal norms and expectations without really thinking for themselves.

    So, how can you tell if you’re an NPC? Here are a few telltale signs:

    1. You always follow the rules, even if they don’t make sense.
    2. You never question authority.
    3. You always do what you’re told, even if it doesn’t align with your values.
    4. You have a set daily routine that rarely deviates.
    5. You feel like you’re just going through the motions of life.
    6. You have a hard time making decisions on your own.
    7. You feel like you have no control over your life.
    8. You find it difficult to think for yourself or come up with new ideas.
    9. You feel like you have no agency or free will.
    10. You feel like you’re just a pawn in someone else’s game.

    If any of these sound familiar, it’s possible that you may be an NPC. But don’t panic! It’s never too late to break free from your predetermined path and start living a more authentic, fulfilling life.

    Here are a few ways to break out of the NPC mold:

    1. Start questioning authority and societal norms.
    2. Develop your own set of values and beliefs.
    3. Learn to think for yourself and make your own decisions.
    4. Take risks and try new things.
    5. Be curious and seek out new experiences and knowledge.
    6. Find your passion and pursue it with vigor.

    Remember, just because you may have been an NPC in the past doesn’t mean you have to continue down that path. You have the power to shape your own destiny and live a life that is truly your own.

    So, are you ready to break free from the constraints of NPC-hood and start living a more authentic, fulfilling life? We hope so!