Picture your future self

Studies (2)

1. 24 Oct 2026Paper

   Two group therapies cut putting off schoolwork in schoolgirls after floods
   TestedHelped

   Girls who had sessions on a hopeful view of the future put things off less than girls in thought therapy.

   Small randomised trial of 60 schoolgirls with trauma stress after floods · vs nine weekly group sessions on unhelpful thoughts · they rated themselves · ⚠ numbers unreliable; many people dropped out

2. 24 Oct 2026Paper

   Picturing your future self worked no better than a short meditation
   TestedNo difference

   Students who pictured their future self twice a week put things off no less than those who meditated.

   Randomised trial of 193 university students in Canada · vs students who listened to a calming meditation · they rated themselves · ⚠ student thesis, not checked by other scientists; numbers unreliable

Often used with it

• 

  Rule · how often

  In weekly sessions

  Delivered as weekly sessions, classes or meetings.

• 

  Rule · with whom

  Practise with a group

  Group sessions or group practice.

• 

  Rule · how5

  Write down when and where

  A written action plan with time and place.