How to Change into the Person You Wish You Were
Written by Jodi Leib Coden, MA
When you envision your life five, 10, or even 25 years into the future – who’s standing there waiting for you?
Most of us immediately picture others: a loving partner, playful children, colleagues and friends, and maybe even a loyal pet. You may imagine achievements such as winning an award, having a happy and healthy marriage, or building your dream house. But the most powerful aspect of that vision isn’t what’s around you –it’swho you’re becoming.
Not just a richer or more successful you, but a wiser, more grounded, more fully embodied version of yourself. The you who’s walked through the chaos of today and emerged on the other side – radiant, resilient, and real.
What if you didn’t have to wait decades to meet that future version of you? What if you could rehearse your way into your future self – startingright now?
Drama therapy isn’t about becoming an actor – it’s a transformative tool for self-development that empowers you to envision, rehearse, and embody your ideal self, harnessing the power of imagination, neuroscience, and somatic expression.
Why Drama Therapy Works
Drama therapy is an experiential, creative form of psychotherapy that draws on techniques such as improvisation, role-playing, projection, storytelling, and embodied expression to foster personal growth and transformation. When applied to future self-work, it activates three core psychological processes:
Visualization
When you see your future self in vivid detail, you activate parts of your brain linked to emotional regulation, goal-setting, and sensory processing. Your imagination brings possibility into the present moment, setting an intention filled with positive emotions.
Neuroplasticity
Your brain is highly adaptable. When you create new mental images and beliefs about your future, you literally rewire your brain to accept it as reality. Through self-reflection and future-oriented projection, you’re not just daydreaming; you’re forming new neural pathways, priming your brain for new behaviors and desired outcomes.
New pathways = new possibilities.
Behavioral Rehearsal
When you move like your future self, your body starts to believe it. By physically acting out your future self’s movements, emotions, and responses, you begin to feel confident and courageous, developing muscle memory for success. The more you feel at home in this new identity, the less likely you are to reject it due to fear or unfamiliarity.
You’re not just “acting” – You’re architecting a new internal blueprint.
Guided Practice: How to Meet Your Future Self (No Time Machine Required)
Set aside about 30–45 minutes for this self-guided practice. You’ll need a quiet space, a journal or piece of paper, and some colored pencils, markers, or crayons.
Step 1: Ground Yourself in the Present Moment
- Start by relaxing your body. Take a few deep breaths. Close your eyes and let your breath gradually ease tension from every muscle in your body.
- Focus on your breath until your mind becomes still.
Step 2: Visualize Your Future Self
Picture yourself in the future: think 1 year, 10 years, or even 50 years ahead.
- How old are you?
- What does life look like?
- Who’s around you?
- What’s the vibe?
This isn’t about realism – it’s about resonance. Let your imagination flow.
Step 3: Engage the Senses
Bring the scene to life by tapping into your sensory memory:
- Sight – What do you see? How do you look? What’s in the environment?
- Sound – Is there music? Laughter? Silence?
- Smell – Fresh coffee? Ocean breeze? New book smell?
- Touch – Bare feet in the sand? A warm hug?
- Taste – Celebration cake? Spicy noodles? Something decadent?
The salient the detail, the stronger the imprint.
Step 4: Explore Emotions
- How are you feeling emotionally at this moment? Joy? Serenity? Gratitude? Maybe even a little fear? If so, that’s normal! Change takes courage… but remember, this is a rehearsal… there’s no harm in trying!
Step 5: Create Your Timeline in Three Self-Portraits
Get your art supplies and draw three reflective self-portraits:
- Your Past Self – Who were you before becoming who you are now?
- Your Present Self – What represents you in this current stage of life?
- Your Future Self – Inspired by your visualization, draw the future you. Don’t worry about artistic skill – think metaphor, emotion, energy. Capture the essence, recognizing how far you’ve come.
Step 6: Embody Your Evolving Self
Now it’s time to embody these versions of you and bring them to life.
- Embody Your Past Self – Using movement, posture, and expression, act out how you felt in that stage of life. Were you scared, confident, naïve? Were your shoulders hunched? Arms crossed? Eyes cast up or down?
- Embody Your Present Self – What does the now-you feel? How do you express this in your body? Are you more open? Curious? Tentative? If someone saw you frozen in this pose, could they guess what you’re going through?
- Embody Your Future Self – Now, step into your future’s shoes. Literally. How do you move? Walk? Do you stand tall? Smile? How does success, wisdom, and fulfillment look and feel in your body? Let your body be a vessel for who you are becoming.
Integrate: Make It Real
You’ve now seen, felt, drawn, and embodied your future self. It’s no longer just an abstract concept – who you are becoming is familiar.
For the next 5 minutes –
- Walk and move like your future self
- Speak out loud (or in your mind) as if it were really happening in this moment
- Think as your wise self with the knowledge of all your life experiences
And when faced with a challenge, ask yourself:
What would my future self want me to do right now?
If she’s a doctor, start preparing for the MCAT
If he’s a Broadway performer, book that voice lesson
If they’re financially free, meet with an advisor to create a long-term investment strategy
You Already Are Your Future Self – You Just Haven’t Caught Up Yet
Your future self isn’t a stranger. You’re made up of the choices you make today. And with tools like drama therapy, you don’t have to wait to meet you. You can rehearse your way into your next chapter – thoughtfully, creatively, and powerfully.
So go ahead. Start rehearsing. Step into your role of a lifetime!
Jodi Leib Coden, MA has a master of arts in drama therapy and psychological therapy, a Registered Drama Therapist and doctoral candidate in clinical psychology. She treats children and adults of all ages, in both individual and group therapy.
Inquire about scheduling an appointment with Jodi.
