What If Your Compass Is Your Future Self?

By Pauline François

🌧️ A Rainy Morning, a Warm Bed, and a Choice

Last Sunday, I had a plan: go for a run. I was motivated, committed, even excited the night before. But when Sunday morning rolled around, the sky opened up and the rain poured down. My bed was warm. My motivation? Gone.

So I did what many of us do — I reached for my phone. I posted on Instagram, sharing my hesitation. Within minutes, DMs started rolling in. Some were cheering me on, others were echoing the same struggle. That moment of connection gave me an unexpected push. I wasn’t alone in this tug-of-war between comfort and commitment.

I stayed under the covers for 15 more minutes. Then I got up. I laced up. I ran — not just a little, but 12 kilometers. A distance I hadn’t done in a while.

And here’s the thing: I never run with a goal in mind. I always listen to my body. Even 3 km is better than none. But that day, I kept going — not because I had to, but because I was thinking of how proud my future self would be.

That moment was a small but powerful example of a mindset shift I want to explore in this episode: What if your compass is your future self?

🧭 Why Your Future Self Is a Powerful Guide

We often make decisions based on how we feel right now — tired, scared, overwhelmed, or just cozy under the covers. But what if we paused and asked:

"What would my future self thank me for?"

This shift in perspective can help us:

  • Push through fear and procrastination

  • Make choices aligned with our long-term goals

  • Build habits that support our ambitions

In career development — the heart of The Incubate Her — this mindset is a game-changer. It helps us act not just for today’s comfort, but for tomorrow’s growth.

🔧 4 Techniques to Activate Your Future Self

Here are a few practical tools to help you tap into this mindset and make it part of your daily life:

✉️ 1. Postcard from the Future

Write a short letter from your future self — 6 months, 1 year, or even 5 years ahead. Describe:

  • What you’ve accomplished

  • How you feel

  • What habits helped you get there

Then ask yourself: What would that version of me want me to do today?

📝 Try it now: Write 5 sentences from your future self. Keep it honest, bold, and kind.

⏱️ 2. The 10-Minute Rule

When you feel resistance — to writing that email, going to the gym, or speaking up in a meeting — commit to just 10 minutes.

Often, starting is the hardest part. Once you begin, momentum takes over. And if after 10 minutes you still want to stop? That’s okay. But chances are, you’ll keep going.

🧠 Micro-commitments build macro-confidence.

🖼️ 3. Visual Anchoring

Create a visual reminder of your future self’s goals:

  • A vision board

  • A sticky note on your mirror

  • A recurring calendar reminder with a message from your future self

Keep your “why” in sight. Let it guide your “how.”

📸 Take a photo of your visual anchor and tag me @theincubateher — I’d love to see it!

🔁 4. Future Self Check-Ins

At the end of each week, ask yourself:

  • What did I do this week that my future self will appreciate?

  • What could I do better next week?

This builds self-awareness and helps you course-correct with compassion, not guilt.

💬 Make it a ritual: Sunday reflections, Monday intentions.

💡 Reframing Resistance

When you feel lazy, scared, or stuck, try this reframe:

“This isn’t about how I feel right now. It’s about who I want to become.”

That rainy Sunday morning? It wasn’t about the weather. It was about choosing alignment over comfort. And that’s what The Incubate Her is all about — nurturing the version of you that’s bold, intentional, and unstoppable.

🎧 Listen, Reflect, Act

In this episode of The Incubate Her, we’ll dive deeper into these techniques, share stories from women who’ve used this mindset to transform their careers, and explore how to build a future you’re proud to grow into.

Because your future self? She’s already cheering you on.

🎙️ Listen now: on spotify ; on Apple Podcast 📩 More contact on: https://www.paulinefrancois.net/ 📱 Follow on Instagram: @theincubateher

✅ Your Turn: Activate Your Future Self

Here are 3 things you can do today:

  1. Write your “Postcard from the Future.” Take 10 minutes. No pressure. Just imagine.

  2. Pick one task you’ve been avoiding. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Start. See what happens.

  3. Share your moment of resistance. Post it. Talk about it. You never know who you’ll inspire — or who’ll inspire you back.

💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

✨ What’s one thing your future self would thank you for today? ✨ Have you tried any of these techniques? What worked for you?

Tag me on Instagram @theincubateher or DM me — I’d love to hear your story and maybe even feature it in a future episode.

Pauline FrançoisDevelopmentComment