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How to Access Your Best Possible Self? Start With Your Imagination

In the quest for self-improvement, it’s tempting to hop on the latest wellness fad. But as Happiness Break—a series by The Science of Happiness podcast—explores, there’s a simpler, cheaper option.

Dacher Keltner

Read when you’ve got time to spare.

In partnership with

What if there was a way to tap into your best possible future self that didn’t involve taking action—just taking a beat? Our partners at Happiness Break by The Science of Happiness podcast share science-backed practices for well-being. The latest Happiness Break features author and mindfulness coach Justin Michael Williams guiding you through his practice to visualize your best possible self. Just imagining this version of future-you can reduce levels of cortisol, foster optimism, and increase your sense of control over your life.

The Science of Happiness host and psychologist Dacher Keltner is a fan of Williams’ “You Are Enough” practice.“I find it gives me a greater sense of agency, which is something I think we all need more of right now,” he says. And in his research on the topic leading up to the episode, he’s had the chance to dig into more of the science behind how and why it works. Feeling curious? Enticed? Picture that best-you and let Dr. Keltner explain the rest.

The Best Possible Self Exercise Will Make You Happier, Psychologists Say. Should You Give It a Try?

Dacher Keltner: “There are some practices that have just been shown time, and time, and time again to really improve our lives. Writing about your Best Possible Self is one of them. This Inc article gives a great breakdown of how to do it and why you should.”

The Science of Happiness: How to Find Your Spark in Life

DK: “We often think that becoming our best possible self means having a career we’re passionate about and that gives us meaning in life. Well, that’s just not possible for everyone. And that’s ok! There are other ways to find meaning in life. I love the wisdom shared by expert guest Dr. Shintaro Kono at the end of this episode of The Science of Happiness podcast, starting at about 16:00.”

Ted Lasso Believes in Ghosts

DK: “One of the incredible powers of these practices is that they lead you down a path of believing in the natural gifts you already have, which leads me to my next selection…”

Focus on Your Strengths, Focus on Success

DK: “Focusing on your strengths can pay dividends in so many ways, and there’s more than one way to capitalize on your natural gifts.”

Future Self

DK: “Optimism holds tremendous power to boost our mental well-being, but it doesn’t stop there. It’s a potent benefactor to our physical health, as well.”

Can Optimism Make a Difference in Your Life?

DK: “There are a lot of ways to foster optimism! Here are some more from The University of Rochester Medical Center.”

Develop a Plan, Make the Impossible Possible

DK: “This 16-year-old college grad is so inspiring! ‘Set a goal so big that you can’t achieve it until you grow into the person who can.’ It’s a beautiful way of thinking about this concept.”

Three Ways to Overcome Fear of Failure at Work

DK: “One of the biggest things that holds us back from becoming who we want to be is the fear of falling short. But these tips from Dr. Tchiki Davis on reframing the idea of ‘failure’ can really help.”

From our partners

Happiness Break

DK: “Listen to our latest Happiness Break, a guided practice called ‘I Am Enough’ by the incredible Justin Michael Williams.”

Stay Woke (Mini-Medley)

DK: “Plus, listen to this really cool medley by the multi-talented Justin Michael Williams, who is also a musician.”

Dacher Keltner

Dacher Keltner, Ph.D., is the founding director of the Greater Good Science Center and a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Keltner is also the host of the Greater Good Science Center’s award-winning podcast, The Science of Happiness as well as their new series, Happiness Break. In each episode, an expert guides you through a happiness practice you can do in real-time and Dr. Keltner shares the science behind it. All in under ten minutes.

In addition, he is the best-selling author of The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence and Born to Be Good, a co-editor of The Compassionate Instinct, and author of the forthcoming book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life.