ABSTRACT
Possible.selves.are.visions.of.the.self.in.a.future.state;.like.guideposts,.possible.selves.can.orient.current.choices.and.behavior..Envisioning.ones’.future.“healthy.self,”.the.self.who.can.take.the.stairs. without.becoming.breathless,.or.ones’.future.“unhealthy,.smoking.self,”.the.self.who.can.no.longer. do.so,.can.make.current.choices-refraining.from.buying.a.new.package.of.cigarettes,.or.going.to. the.gym-feel.meaningful.rather.than.simply.painful..Yet,.people.do.not.always.act.in.ways.that. enhance.their.chances.of.attaining.their.positive.and.avoiding.their.negative.possible.selves..They. push.the.button.and.wait.for.the.elevator.instead.of.taking.the.stairs.and.do.not.pass.on.the.second. dessert.or.third.roll..Why.not?
