Is feeling connected to one’s future self enough to persist in pursuing goals? Why do some people imagine a successful future yet fail to transform that vision into action? And what conditions help transform future-oriented identity into tangible progress in goal attainment?
Research Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to examine how future self-continuity, namely the extent to which a person feels connected to their future self, contributes to goal attainment over time. The researchers sought to determine whether belief in successful goal attainment serves as a mediating mechanism between connection to the future self and actual goal attainment, and whether this process is influenced by both the ability to engage in pragmatic future planning and the type of instructional environment in which the individual operates.
Methodology:
The study included 245 M.A. students in Israel who selected a personal goal they wished to achieve during one academic semester. At the beginning of the semester, future self-continuity and pragmatic prospection were measured, namely the ability to set goals, plan practical steps, anticipate obstacles, and adjust plans accordingly. In the middle of the semester, belief in successful goal attainment was measured, and at the end of the semester actual goal attainment was assessed. Participants studied in one of two courses: a Coaching Psychology course that included a structured self-coaching process, planning, feedback, and goal monitoring, or a Positive Psychology course that included well-being and reflective exercises without a structured goal implementation process.
Key Findings:
The findings showed that a stronger sense of connection to the future self was associated with better goal attainment, both directly and through strengthening belief in successful goal attainment. However, this relationship emerged primarily when two conditions were present simultaneously: a high level of pragmatic prospection and a structured environment supporting goal setting, planning, feedback, and monitoring. In the Coaching Psychology course, there was a significant increase in belief in successful goal attainment, with an effect size of d=1.14, and a significant increase in actual goal attainment, with an effect size of d=1.40. In contrast, no significant changes were found on these measures in the Positive Psychology course. In addition, belief in successful goal attainment significantly predicted actual goal attainment, and the indirect effect of future self-continuity through belief in success was strongest among participants with high levels of pragmatic planning operating within a structured coaching framework.
Conclusions and Recommendations:
The researchers conclude that feeling connected to one’s future self is not sufficient on its own to generate meaningful progress toward goals. Transforming a future vision into consistent action also requires belief that success is attainable, the ability to translate aspirations into a practical action plan, and an environment that provides guidance, feedback, and accountability over time. For coaches, the implication is that it is not enough to help clients imagine a desired future. It is important to help them build a realistic pathway, identify anticipated obstacles, strengthen their sense of capability, and create mechanisms for monitoring progress. Combining work with the future self together with pragmatic planning and systematic follow-up may significantly increase the likelihood of goal attainment.
Atad, Ofer I., and Pninit Russo-Netzer. 2026. “When Does Future Self-Continuity Translate into Goal Attainment? The Joint Moderating Roles of Pragmatic Prospection and Instructional Context.” Self and Identity. Advance online publication.