Futurize Yourself

Future as a Driver of Present Actions

Homo Futurus Evolopsis focuses on projecting a desired future state and using it to guide present decisions and behaviours. Similarly, retrocausality suggests that the future can influence the present, creating a feedback loop where a clearly envisioned future acts as a “retrocausal force.” This alignment allows future goals to shape priorities, actions, and even cultural and biological evolution in the present.
For instance, if humanity collectively aspires to evolve into a state of greater resilience and harmony, this vision might unconsciously or intentionally influence the systems, choices, and lifestyles we adopt today. In this sense, Homo Futurus Evolopsis acts as both the cause and effect of the feedback loop created by future-oriented thinking.

Mental Time Travel and Retrocausal Intent

Human beings naturally engage in “mental time travel,” envisioning future scenarios and using them to shape present behaviour. Homo Futurus Evolopsis intensifies this process by embedding evolution itself into the intention behind those visions. This approach is akin to psychological retrocausality, where future aspirations retroactively alter how we perceive and act upon our present challenges.

For example, envisioning a thriving future humanity—one that has overcome environmental, societal, and individual challenges—can act as a motivator for present action. In this way, the future “pulls” the present toward itself, creating a sense of retroactive influence.

Interplay of Science and Philosophy

From a philosophical perspective, the act of envisioning Homo Futurus Evolopsis creates a feedback loop between the future and the present. Retrocausality offers a framework to describe this influence: the aspirational future reshapes current perceptions, decisions, and systems to align with that future.

Scientifically, retrocausality in quantum mechanics challenges the traditional view of linear causality. If the future can indeed influence antecedent states, then the vision of Homo Futurus Evolopsis as an evolutionary goal could theoretically “inform” and shape present conditions. While speculative, this  perspective integrates philosophy and quantum theory into a unified narrative of time and intention.

Changing the Meaning of the Past 

While the Homo Futurus Evolopsis concept focuses on the future it doesn't deny the past on the contrary. A reinterpretation of past events to empower the present is also part of its process. That is by reframing past experiences, failures, or successes in light of future goals, individuals and societies can transform how they utilise the past as a tool for present growth.

This process resembles psychological retrocausality, which is the concept where an individual's present perceptions, beliefs, or emotions about past events can influence how those events are experienced, understood, or even integrated into their personal narrative. While it does not involve literal causation of the past (as time flows forward), it highlights how the meaning and emotional weight of past events can be "rewritten" from the present perspective.

Creating Feedback Loops Between Time Perspectives

Homo Futurus Evolopsis offers a conceptual framework that integrates past, present, and future in a dynamic feedback loop:

• The envisioned future reshapes the meaning of the past.
• The reinterpretation of the past influences present decisions.
• These present decisions then work toward achieving the future vision.

This feedback loop mirrors retrocausality, where the future’s influence redefines the past, creating tangible changes in the present.

Evolutionary and Cultural Implications

Cultural evolution often involves feedback loops where imagined futures shape current systems and societal structures. In the context of Homo Futurus Evolopsis, this retrocausal-like influence could extend to biological evolution, as intentional lifestyle choices and environmental adaptations influence genetic and epigenetic outcomes.

For example, the aspiration to evolve into a harmonious, resilient species could lead to present-day changes in diet, activity levels, and mental health practices, which in turn influence long-term evolutionary pathways.

Practical Applications

Therapeutic Contexts:
Therapists can help individuals reframe past traumas or challenges in light of their envisioned future selves, creating psychological shifts in the present.

Cultural Evolution:
Societies that re-evaluate their histories through the lens of future aspirations—such as sustainability or equity—can drive profound systemic change.

Personal Growth:
Individuals can use future-oriented goals to reinterpret past experiences, reducing emotional burdens and increasing motivation for present action.

Conclusion: A Unified Perspective on Time

Homo Futurus Evolopsis creates a compelling bridge to retrocausality by treating time as an interconnected whole where:

• The future reshapes the perception of the past.
• The past becomes a tool to drive present changes.
• The present aligns past lessons with future aspirations.

While speculative, this integration of retrocausality with Homo Futurus Evolopsis challenges traditional linear views of time. It offers a dynamic, feedback-oriented perspective where the future can serve as both an outcome and a catalyst for shaping human potential. This unified view has the power to redefine how humanity understands and navigates its evolutionary journey.

Interesting further reading

Bem, D. J. (2011). Feeling the future: Experimental evidence for anomalous retroactive influences on cognition and affect. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 100(3), 407–425. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0021524
Bem, D., Tressoldi, P., Rabeyron, T., & Duggan, M. (2015). Feeling the future: A meta-analysis of 90 experiments on the anomalous anticipation of random future events. F1000Research, 4, 1188. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.7177.2
Mossbridge, J. A., Tressoldi, P., Utts, J., Ives, J. A., Radin, D., & Jonas, W. B. (2014). Predicting the unpredictable: critical analysis and practical implications of predictive anticipatory activity. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 8, 146. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00146

Remember the story of Aladdin, the young man who is led to a hidden cave filled with treasures? For most, this cave represents the ultimate solution to life’s problems—a quick fix with coins, jewels, and golden trinkets to take away their troubles. But this treasure isn’t really meant for Aladdin; it’s a distraction, tempting him with wealth that can solve today’s needs but isn’t aligned with his true purpose.

Another aspect of the story is that Aladdin is brought to this cave by a magician with hidden motives—a figure representing the influences in our lives that steer us toward superficial or short-term gains. These ‘magicians’—whether societal pressures, corporate expectations, or internal doubts—nudge us toward quick fixes and other people’s dreams. This pull for immediate rewards and reliance on external guidance reflects a deep evolutionary mismatch: our ancestors depended on quick rewards and trusted the wisdom of elders, as their world changed slowly and predictably. In today’s rapidly changing world, however, these instincts often lead us astray, pulling us toward distractions that don’t fulfil us. These outdated patterns may have once been useful, but they now keep us from the meaningful journey that awaits if we look deeper and engage with our own future on purpose.

At the centre of the cave, however, lies the magic lamp—a powerful but easily overlooked artefact. Unlike the gold and jewels, the lamp doesn’t promise instant gratification. It requires effort, intention, and a certain humility. Aladdin must look beyond the shiny distractions to see the potential within this simple, dusty lamp. In our lives, the treasure-filled cave is a powerful metaphor for the quick fixes and old patterns we often turn to: material success, instant gratification, or the expectations of others. These can be tempting because they seem to offer solutions to our immediate problems, yet they often lead us further away from what truly fulfils us.

When Aladdin takes hold of the lamp, he discovers something deeper—the genie, a symbol of the potential within all of us. The genie doesn’t act alone; he’s guided by Aladdin’s wishes and vision. This represents our inner resources, our “future self” that holds untapped potential but needs our direction to unlock it. It’s as if the genie is saying, “I can help you, but you must be clear about what you want and why.” This is the essence of Futurizing Yourself: by envisioning the future we want, we align our actions and choices to pull us towards it.

In this story, the gold coins and jewels represent the dreams and values of others or the quick fixes we reach for in times of stress. The lamp, on the other hand, is a reminder of the deeper work we need to do—engaging our inner resources, our vision, and a genuine connection with our future self. Like Aladdin, we’re given choices. We can pursue the glittering rewards around us, chasing other people’s dreams or societal expectations. Or, we can do the harder but far more rewarding work of engaging with our unique “lamp”—our inner vision for the future, our values, and our deepest goals.

And then there’s the princess, a figure of Aladdin’s deepest aspirations and values. She’s more than a prize; she represents the future he truly desires—one of love, connection, and a life lived with purpose. To win her trust and respect, Aladdin must rise above superficial desires and prove himself worthy. The princess embodies that ultimate vision we all carry within us, the life and self we aspire to if we let go of distractions and embrace what genuinely matters. She reminds us that our most meaningful goals require us to grow, to align with our highest values, and to act from a place of authenticity.

Ultimately, the lamp of Aladdin symbolises our ability to create a future that isn’t left to chance but shaped by our own intentions. The treasures around us are distractions, but the lamp, like Futurizing Yourself, offers a pathway to something more sustainable, resilient, and truly aligned with who we are. This is the essence of seeing the future not just as a mystery or a burden but as a powerful tool, waiting to be shaped into something purposeful.

To start futurizing yourself, try this simple three-step practice to navigate uncertainty and build resilience in both your personal and professional life. First, picture your future self—imagine where you want to be in ten years, how you want to feel, and what you aspire to achieve. This vision is your ‘North Star.’ Next, identify your potential—your innate qualities, your ‘lamp’—that you need to polish and develop, such as critical thinking, creativity, or problem-solving abilities. Finally, choose one small, aligned action to take today that brings you closer to this future self. Just as brushing your teeth has a long-term goal that requires daily action, this habit of daily futurizing will help you stay resilient, proactive, and aligned with the life you truly want. Don’t let yourself be pushed into destination unknown; choose a future before a future is chosen for you, and evolve into it on purpose through your choices, decisions, and actions.

This article represents the ideas researched by Tom Meyers and created with the assistance of ChatGPT, ensuring a blend of expert insights and advanced AI support.

In a fast-changing world, being physically “fit” is no longer enough to flourish and thrive. To truly navigate the complexities and uncertainties of life today, we need to be fitfull—that is fully prepared, adaptable, and resilient. This concept goes beyond traditional fitness, encompassing not just physical health but also mental, emotional, social, and even spiritual wellbeing, ensuring we are equipped to flourish and thrive in all aspects of our lives.

We live in an era defined by rapid technological advancements, shifting cultural norms, and increasing demands on our time and energy. This fast-paced environment often leaves us feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and stuck in outdated patterns that no longer serve us. These feelings are not just personal struggles; they are symptoms of a deeper issue—an evolutionary mismatch between our internal capacity to adapt (biology) and the external challenges (culture) we face.

Many of us try to cope with these pressures through reactive measures like managing stress or practising mindfulness. While these methods can provide temporary relief, they don’t address the root cause of why we feel out of sync with our lives. Traditional concepts like homeostasis—the body’s attempt to maintain a stable internal environment—or even allostasis—the process of achieving stability through change—focus on internal regulation. However, they fall short when it comes to aligning our health with the broader context of our lives.

This is where the concept of fitfull comes in. Being fitfull goes beyond maintaining physical fitness or adapting to avoid disruption. It’s about creating a positive balance between our biological needs and the cultural demands placed on us—a dynamic state I’ve coined as eustasis. Eustasis represents the ideal harmony between our internal health and external environment, enabling us not just to survive but to truly flourish and thrive.

Achieving eustasis requires more than simply reacting to life's challenges; it demands a proactive approach to health and wellbeing. It’s about understanding what you want to achieve and building a personal framework that aligns with those aspirations. Just as a company would create a strategic plan to navigate future uncertainties, we too need a plan—a “DNA for the future”—that guides our decisions and actions. This personalised blueprint helps us stay focused on what truly matters, ensuring that our efforts are directed towards long-term resilience and growth.

Being fitfull means adopting a mindset that is ready for the future, whatever it may hold. It’s about cultivating the ability to pivot and adapt when circumstances change, to recover quickly from setbacks, and to maintain a sense of purpose and direction. It’s not just about physical health, but also about emotional, psychological, social and even spiritual alignment. When you are fitfull, you’re not merely responding to life’s demands—you are shaping them, using your inner strength and clarity to create a life that is balanced and fulfilling.

So, being fitfull is more than just a way to adapt and manage stress; it provides a pathway to resilience, adaptability, and purposeful growth in all aspects of life. It goes well beyond concepts of work-life balance, embracing healthgevity—the pursuit of long-term health and wellbeing that extends beyond physical fitness to encompass all areas of life.

If you find yourself feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or anxious about the future, it’s time to ask: Why, and how can I become fitfull?

What is needed to be fitfull is a clear framework that does not alter—a “DNA” for aligning your health, wellbeing, and personal and professional growth that can be expressed in different ways. This framework, or blueprint, makes the future less unpredictable, providing a stable foundation upon which you can build and grow.

Practically, you start by writing down your current situation and then identifying what you want to achieve. You also need to define what health means to you, how you want to feel (health), and your core values and long-term aspirations (wellbeing). Once you have these, consider whether this vision would still resonate with you 20, 100, or even 1,000 years from now. They must be unwavering principles for the rest of your life—no matter how long it may be—to serve as the strands of your “DNA for the future.” Next, think about the bonds—your potential. This represents what you are inherently born with and what you can develop over time.

The strands of “health” and “wellbeing” are like the two vertical rails of a ladder, supporting the bonds of “potential,” which act as the steps you climb toward your future.

Once you have defined your personal framework, use it to envision a preferred future—a future you want to wake up to, one that can guide you like the North Star. The next step is to commit to striving for eustasis by evolving with and on purpose and seeking a balance between your internal needs and external demands. This goes beyond merely managing stress; it’s about aligning your lifestyle, environment, and personal values in a way that supports your overall wellbeing while reducing your biological footprint.

Finally, remember that being fitfull is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing process. It’s about preparing today for the uncertainties of tomorrow, building a foundation that enables you to thrive no matter what the future holds. So, ask yourself: Am I fitfull? If not, what steps can you take to become more fitfull and ready for the future?

Embracing a fitfull mindset means moving beyond the struggle for survival to actively cultivating healthgevity. It’s about proactively futurizing yourself, your health, and your wellbeing so you can flourish and thrive, no matter how the future unfolds. This involves adopting a mindset and lifestyle where you recognise your power to shape your own narrative, to be the architect of your future, and to create a life that is not just reactive but genuinely proactive.

However, never forget that the journey towards being fitfull is a step only you can take, but it is not just about you. You are not alone. Being fitfull requires the support and connection of others, just as they need you. So becoming fitfull is also about recognising and embracing your role within a greater whole—a society. Your choices, decisions, and actions not only impact your own health and wellbeing but also influence those around you, including future generations.

Are you fitfull for y'our (your and our) future? Are you ready to evolve on purpose?

Tom Meyers’ second book "The Futures Effect" explores the benefits of Futurizing Yourself for your health and wellbeing through consciously incorporating futures thinking into your everyday decisions, choices and actions that will enhance your present and equip you to flourish and thrive in a fast-changing world.

The book is divided into three main sections, each of which addresses a different aspect of futurism.

The first section of the book focuses on what Futurizing Yourself is, its importance in today's rapidly changing world and how it can help you prepare for and adapt to future challenges.

The second section of the book explores the various drivers of change that shape the future, including technology, demographics, economics, and culture. Meyers uses real-world examples and case studies to illustrate how these drivers are affecting different industries and areas of society and provides readers with tools and frameworks for analysing and anticipating future scenarios. For example, someone interested in pursuing a career in healthcare could research emerging technologies and demographic shifts to identify areas of growth and opportunity.

The third section of the book is focused on practical applications of Futurizing Yourself, including scenario planning, innovation, and developing a personal plan for the future. Meyers provides readers with a step-by-step guide for using Futurizing Yourself to develop innovative and effective strategies for individuals and to make the future into an asset. For example, developing a curiosity about the future can help you stay up-to-date on emerging trends and technologies, while embracing uncertainty can help you become more adaptable and resilient.

Throughout the book, Meyers emphasises the importance of developing a "futures mindset," which involves embracing uncertainty and ambiguity, challenging assumptions, and cultivating a curiosity about the future. He argues that by adopting a futures mindset and incorporating Futurizing Yourself into your decision-making processes, you can have more grip over your future and meet future needs.

Overall, "The Futures Effect" is a comprehensive and practical guide to Futurizing Yourself that is accessible for readers of all ages and educational levels that are concerned about the future. Meyers provides readers with a wealth of information and tools for anticipating and preparing for the future, making the book a valuable resource for anyone interested in heightening their futures consciousness to embrace the future with confidence and equip you to flourish and thrive in a fast-changing world.