What if you could interview your future self—or your past self?

This exercise invites you to do just that.

The Time Travel Interview Exercise is a creative, reflective practice designed to help you explore your identity, clarify your values, and make better decisions about your academic or professional life. By engaging in imagined conversations between your past, present, and future selves, you can uncover insights that are often buried beneath your daily choices and fears.

It's not about guessing the future—it's about storytelling your way to clarity.

How It Works

Choose one of two directions—or both.

Option A: Interview Your Future Self

Imagine you're sitting down with your future self, 10 years from now. You ask questions about their life, their challenges, and the decisions that led them there.

Sample prompts:

  • What are you doing these days? Are you happy?
  • What was the hardest part about your twenties?
  • Did I make the right decision about ___?
  • What advice would you give me today?

Option B: Interview Your Past Self

Now, imagine a version of you from 5–10 years ago. What would they ask you? What would you tell them?

Sample prompts:

  • What were you worried about back then?
  • What were your hopes for the future?
  • I've learned a lot since then. Want to hear what changed?

A Real Example

Maya, a junior considering changing her major from economics to environmental studies, tried the future self interview. Her imagined conversation revealed something unexpected:

Maya (now): Did I make the right choice changing my major?

Future Maya: The major itself mattered less than you think. What mattered was following your genuine interest. The economics background actually gave you analytical tools that made you more effective in environmental policy work. The "right" choice was being honest with yourself rather than sticking with something safe.

This insight helped Maya recognize that she wasn't just choosing between two subjects, but between following expectations versus personal curiosity—a pattern that extended beyond just her major.

Why It Works

  • Narrative psychology: We make sense of our lives through stories. This exercise helps you construct those stories more consciously.
  • Temporal perspective-taking: Stepping outside of the present allows you to see your choices and values with greater clarity.
  • Self-coaching: You already know more than you think. Sometimes it takes "becoming" your future self to realize it.

What You'll Learn

  • How your values have shifted—or stayed consistent
  • What fears are holding you back
  • What matters most to you—beyond job titles or GPAs
  • How to bring your past and future into your current choices

How to Use This

  • Write it out in a notebook or Google Doc
  • Act it out as a monologue
  • Turn it into an audio note or comic strip
  • Share it with a coach, advisor, or friend
  • Revisit it every year—you'll be amazed at what changes

Your Turn

Take 15 minutes this weekend to have a conversation with your future or past self. Set a timer, silence distractions, and let yourself be surprised by what emerges. The most valuable insights often come when you move beyond the first, obvious responses and allow yourself to dig deeper.

What might your future self be waiting to tell you today?

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