The article examines the problems of sociological study of ideas about the future in the context of an individual's biographical project. It is shown that the individual's ideas about his/her own future in modern socio-cultural conditions are an important component of his social identity. A brief review of empirical researches confirms that the perception of the future is one of the important factors of motivation of individuals, as well as in their professional adaptability. A short overview of methods aimed at studying the individual's ideas about the future is given and their significance for applied research is indicated.