What would your "deathbed self" tell you today? | Lauren Deeley

Lauren Dealey's TED Talk explores how envisioning one's "deathbed self" can lead to more fulfilling decisions in life, career, and finances. Drawing from UCLA psychologist Hal Hirschfield's research, Dealey explains that our brains often perceive our future selves as separate entities, hindering long-term planning. By connecting with this future self, individuals can better align their choices with their core values. Dealey illustrates this concept with personal anecdotes, including her decision at 22 to buy a hostel in Costa Rica and stories of clients who made significant life changes after considering their future selves' perspectives, such as a couple opting for a "pre-retirement" and a woman starting a retail business during the pandemic. The core idea is that understanding what truly matters to our future self allows us to live more intentionally and without regret.