Daniel Pink explains why we struggle to save: we treat our future self like a stranger. Two fixes that work: visualize yourself aged to make that future self feel real, and automate transfers so the money goes to savings before you can spend it.
You might think saving money is about discipline. It's not. The real reason you don't save? Your brain sometimes sees future you as a stranger. Would you give your paycheck to a random person? No way. But that's often how your brain treats the future version of you. But here are 2 ways to trick yourself into saving more. Number one, see future you as real. Studies show that just looking at an aged version of yourself makes you way more likely to save. So try a face-aging app and stare at your future self. Believe me, it's scary, but it works. Second technique: automate savings. Take willpower out of the equation. Set up automatic transfers to your savings or retirement account so you're always paying future you first. The truth? Saving isn't about willpower. It's about seeing your future self as someone worth taking care of because they are you. Try this. Imagine yourself at age 80. What would you wish you had done today?
