What Will Your Future Self Thank You for Doing Today?
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Chapter 1: Reflecting on Future Aspirations
Recently, my daughter shared her struggles with motivation and mentioned a journal prompt that has always helped her find clarity. The prompt was simple yet profound: "In five years, what will my future self wish I had done right now?" This question resonated with me, lingering in my thoughts throughout the day and even during restless nights.
Initially, the idea of letting my future self down filled me with anxiety. I began to reflect on the missed opportunities from five and even ten years ago. Many of those missed chances are actions I know my future self will wish I had undertaken today.
Let’s delve into a few of those actions and the hurdles that accompany them, especially the challenge of delayed gratification. Our minds crave immediate rewards, making it difficult to sacrifice current satisfaction for future benefits.
The first video titled "A Letter to My Future Self... (Ten Years from Now)" highlights the importance of envisioning our future desires.
Section 1.1: Embracing Writing
One area where I know my future self will express gratitude is writing. A couple of months ago, I began sharing my thoughts on Medium but have only published a handful of articles. I often find myself hesitating at the start of new ventures. However, there is a thin line between being cautious and falling into procrastination.
Today, I made a commitment to act as my future self would hope—by writing and hitting "publish" upon completion. I realized that my future self has long wished I had started sharing my writing years ago.
While I’ve written in the past—co-authoring a fantasy novel a decade ago and incorporating writing into my job—I regret not having pursued my own projects sooner. With countless platforms available for aspiring writers today, there’s little justification for not diving in. Yet, the overwhelming landscape and the fear of failure can be paralyzing.
I teach first-year students to view failure as a learning opportunity and to prioritize progress over perfection. Ironically, I grapple with the same fears. To break free from this cycle, I shifted my mindset—I’m now writing for the sheer love of it rather than for monetary gain.
The second video, "I Wrote a Letter to My Future Self 10 Years Ago. Today I Opened It..." serves as a reminder of the impact our past decisions have on our present.
Section 1.2: Financial Planning for the Future
This leads me to the next aspect my future self will appreciate: proactive financial planning. As a first-generation college graduate who began my studies in my thirties, I’ve faced the challenges of balancing family obligations and student debt.
After a significant health scare six months ago, I decided it was time to create a budget and work towards reducing our debt. Although it hasn't been easy, I've learned to find small joys in tracking my progress through an Excel sheet, which provides a sense of instant gratification.
To curb impulsive spending, I avoid keeping credit cards near my computer and use online grocery shopping to prevent unnecessary purchases.
Section 1.3: Nurturing Relationships and Finding Meaning
Photo by Yamaitrop Vioreenlack on Unsplash
Positive psychology emphasizes that strong relationships and a sense of purpose significantly contribute to our overall well-being. Recently, I made a purchase that exceeded my monthly budget—a painting from a long-time friend and artist.
Despite the financial slip, I feel at peace with my decision because this friend has been a part of my life since childhood. Supporting her art is meaningful to me, and discovering we share a favorite painting deepened our connection.
While I often struggle to balance work with leisure and meaningful interactions, this experience reminded me of the importance of prioritizing relationships. Reflecting on what I might wish I had done in five years helped guide my choice to invest in this friendship.
In the grand scheme, every journey begins with a single step (Lao Tzu). What actions will your future self be grateful for? Remember, it’s about making progress rather than striving for perfection. As long as you keep moving forward, you're on the right path.