FUTURE SELF

Unfolding the Future Self

This unit aims to introduce the future-oriented perspectives of the self which includes The Future Self: Our past, present and future SELF and The Possible Selves.

 The Future Self: Our past, present and future SELF

MY SELF

PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE SELF

This unit talks about the past, present, and future self.

Categorize and analyze human experiences.

Influenced by personal, social, and institutional factors.

Towards an optimistic future, understanding the self

is not just about knowing and recognizing oneself as 

a product of different life factor.    

     

The self, and its potentials and limits can be more thoroughly understood by using a time-oriented lens which focuses on how the self evolves from being the self of the past, of the present, and the possible self in the future. This time-oriented conceptualization of the self importantly explains how individuals construe their sense of self by using temporal perspectives in self interpretations, and the processes that individuals use in conceptualizing what one can possibly or potentially become. This unit of the self doesn't totally focus on the future state of the self but rather discuss about the past and present states of the self and gives hint of how to describe the possible future state of the self. With the basis such as the past and the present self, the possibility of what can be obtained in the future were discussed here.

I learned in this topic that people envision their future self. People were warned to not focus on only one time frame, thus people needs to balance the three in order to plan and set achievable life goals. One must reflect on the learning from the past, apply it in the present and set sustainable and obtainable goals for the future based from the two time frames. Everything is connected to everything. The three time frames are all relevant and can be treated as one, since your present self is the future self of your past self and will soon become the past self of your future self, its relevance is ridiculous and somewhat clever but it is what it is and it is important to relate each time frame with one another in order to gain a better future self.

The future holds infinite possibilities, always try to look at the brighter side and always choose the right path to success no matter how hard it is, no matter how lonely it is, always walk on the right path even if you have to go through that path all by yourself.

DEAR FUTURE SELF BY  ANY O'NEAL & CEECEE

The Possible Selves Theory

While one lives in the present and is bounded by present circumstances, he/she has the capacity to make the right choices that will have consequences and repercussions for the future. The Possible Selves Theory has outlined 6 philosophical premises that are not only crucial to one’s full self-understanding but also vital in shaping one’s future. These includes the following: Possible selves is both a motivational resource and behavioral blueprint of the self; Not all future selves are positive; One's future self is intertwined with his/her past present selves; Future selves are a product of social interactions; This premise lies in life transitions that have an enabling influence on one’s future selves; The last premise is based on the concepts of proximal and distal goals. Based from the six premises, One's future self is not a possibility that is out of one's hand but rather is an outcome of a clear vision of the future planning weighing present options, and making the right decisions to a better optimistic life.

I have learned in this unit that possible selves theory including the six premises it holds are a better guide in having deeper connection and understanding with one's goals regarding his/her future self. A person envisions his/her future self which gives him/her the capabilities to do what he/she was supposed to do in order to get closer to that vision. Oneself also has his/her own ideal self and feared self; the ideal self is the best one he/she could be while the feared self is the opposite of it which is the worst possible self, however there's also another part of it which pertains to what oneself might become, without being neither his/her ideal or feared self. Present circumstances helps oneself to develop and be more precise on his/her goals for his/her own future. Social interactions which includes family, friends and person to person or person to group interactions helps in honing one's ideal future self. Changes in life circumstances also affects the future self like sudden changes in life status or advancement in grade level. People should have multiple goals in life, I suggest that they should have short-term goals and long-term goals which is related to one another. Having short-term goals makes people more motivated to obtain it because it's easier to obtain than the long term ones, and with these multiple short term goals, people won't even notice that they're getting closer to their long term goals. Time is important and so does choices, we use our time properly and make our choices wisely, we learn from our mistakes and adjust relevantly, cope up with the shortcomings, and face hardships in life. Be resilient, and make things work, for the future, always have back up plans so if ever things doesn't go your way, you're prepared for it.

"AM I A STRANGER? AM I CHANGED? AM I WHO I  WANTED TO BE?"