Help! My Future Self is Sabotaging My Present Productivity!
Written on
Understanding the Influence of Time on Self-Improvement
Recently, while nestled comfortably in bed with my dogs, I impulsively registered to run a marathon. In that cozy moment, I thought, "Absolutely! This is the year I finally take on a marathon!" Feeling a rush of enthusiasm, I set a training program on my phone to kick off the next morning, falling asleep with an inflated sense of accomplishment.
However, the me that woke up early to start the training was far from that cheerful version. This was the Present Me, who had been reluctantly enduring a week of rigorous training, including a grueling nine-mile run that left me limping. I couldn’t help but wonder why both my Past and Future Selves seemed bent on making life difficult for the Present Me.
Why Is Future Me a Source of Frustration?
I often envision my future self as a distinct identity, which I simply call "Future Me." While the name lacks creativity, it serves its purpose. Future Me is the person I aspire to become—a version who has tackled challenges, acquired new skills, and embarked on exciting adventures.
Future Me is multilingual, scaling mountains, thriving as a writer, and even volunteering as an EMT. This version of myself has had breathtaking experiences, from witnessing the Palio in Siena to marveling at cherry blossoms in Kyoto. Most importantly, Future Me has conquered a marathon.
In essence, Future Me represents my aspirations, while the struggles I face today serve to empower that future version. I like to think that one day, Future Me will look back at my current efforts and cheer, "Well done!"
But if Future Me truly wants to reap the rewards of my hard work, why can't they just travel back in time to assist Past Me with the tough tasks? Clearly, time travel doesn't operate that way.
Instead, Past Me conjures up ambitious goals for Future Me, leaving Present Me to shoulder the burden of the hard work—like training for a marathon, which has been anything but enjoyable so far.
The Role of Present Me in Shaping Future Me
To be fair, Present Me was once Future Me, and Past Me labored hard to bring me to this moment. If you're still following along, congratulations!
Ultimately, this reflects a unique perspective on self-identity and life. By consciously envisioning the person I wish to become, I find myself more motivated to push beyond my comfort zone. It encourages me to rise earlier, invest extra effort, and resist temptation when it comes to indulgences.
It's essential to recognize that I cannot become the Future Self I dream of without putting in the necessary work today. Growth doesn't happen automatically.
Imagining Your Future Self
Take a moment to consider your Future Self. This may require some thought. Reflect on the experiences you hope to have, the skills you wish to acquire, and the fears you aim to confront.
Perhaps your Future Self has gone shark diving, returned to school, or learned to play chess. By framing your identity as both Present You and Future You, you might discover new insights into the life you desire.
While I'm not thrilled with Past Me for signing me up for a marathon, and I dread the early mornings required to train, I know that Future Me is eager for this journey. In the end, even if they are a bit naive, Future Me will be a marathon finisher.
Understanding Your Future Self Through Video Insights
To gain deeper insights into the relationship between our present actions and future aspirations, check out this enlightening video by Hal Hershfield, Ph.D. and Daniel Pink titled Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today.
Additionally, explore the humorous and thought-provoking video I Gave My Microwave a Soul with AI and It Tried to Kill Me, which creatively discusses our interactions with technology and self-improvement.
Stay connected with The Orange Journal for more engaging content. If you're passionate about writing on self-improvement and personal development, learn how you can contribute as a writer here.