The End of History Illusion (Achievement Nudge)
Last Updated on August 4, 2025 by Bill Truby
Research shows your mind thinks you are at the end of your history, the end of the world as you know it. But you’re wrong.
In the journal, Science, various scientists reported on a research study that shows we think differently of ourselves in the past than we do in the future. They proved that we all acknowledge rather significant changes in our lives over the past 10 years, but we predict little or no change for our future. They called it the “End of History Illusion.”
One study involved 19,000 people ranging in age from 18 to 68. In all cases, the person remembered their past self as being quite different than their present self, but saw little or no change in their future self. When it came to personalities, tastes, likes, and dislikes, the research subjects acknowledged significant differences in who they were ten years ago. But they predicted little or no change ten years from now. Age didn’t matter, nor did the amount of change that occurred over the past 10 years. Each person was at the “End of their History” – or so they thought.
Even if we want our future situation to be better (more money, a better job, or to buy our dream home…) when it comes to our “person,” we believe we are “there.” We believe that in the future, we will like the same music, watch the same kind of TV shows, eat the same kind of food, and have the same taste in the clothes we wear now. To the possible disappointment of those around you (smile), we believe we will be the same person. But the reality is, we WILL change. It is inevitable.
Now…normally we spend a lot of energy doing something if we truly believe history is going to end. We have seen that happen in the past, the most recent example surrounds the “end of history” prediction from the Mayan calendar.
Some people spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to warn the world. Others invested a lot of energy preparing for it. I saw many people travel from around the world to be here in Mt. Shasta where we live. They said they wanted to catch a ride on the space ship they believed would settle on the mountain to pick up passengers and leave this world behind. Still others used a lot of energy criticizing or making fun of the proposed “end of the world.”
When you believe something is going to happen, you automatically put energy toward dealing with it one way or another. If you accept that you have this “End of History Illusion” embedded in your brain, you will automatically spend some energy on dealing with it. And this Nudge is to deal with it by creating a new and chosen future. If you DON’T proactively deal with it, the illusion will make you a victim. Change WILL happen. If you are not driving that change, you become subject to outside forces that are. And that describes a victim.
Since change in the future is inevitable, let’s be in control of that change. From time to time, assess who and how you are. Monitor your choices, your decisions. Think about how your choices are changing YOU. Is it for the better or the worse? You might even want to analyze your past ten years of change to make better choices for your next ten years. Ask yourself, “How am I different? What caused that difference? Was I in control of choosing that difference? Is the difference beneficial? Is there something I want to change for my future?”
Do this and you’ll create a new future for yourself. The Mayans were wrong, and so is the illusion in your brain. Your future is going to change you. You might as well be in control of it.
This article is part of our ongoing Achievement Nudge series—short, witty, and often inspirational articles to spark your personal and professional growth. Explore more nudges on our blog, or sign up for our weekly Nudge and News email. Each edition includes an Achievement Nudge plus leadership, professional development, and personal growth videos and articles to keep you inspired and on track.
Bill Truby
Founder and President of Truby Achievements
