You can’t always make decisions for your future self in the present moment. Oftentimes it’s better to wait it out, focus on the present, then make your choices when the time arises.
In my attempt to increase my cardio slightly for the last few weeks of 75 Hard, I’ve been walking before work then doing an additional 20 minute walk after the gym. Today, after my morning walk and a long shift on my feet, I was not feeling a second walk with a weighted vest. All day I was talking myself out of it and telling myself the one walk was enough. When I went to the gym, I had every intention of going home right after. However, as the blood started flowing and I saw the sick pump (sorry, cringy gym talk) my mindset switched.
I put on my vest and went for the second walk in the beautiful fall evening. My back was a little sore stil, but the walk wasn’t nearly as bad as I anticipated and now, I’m hyped I fit it in.
This touches on how rarely we can make choices for our future selves. There’s no way to know how you’ll feel or where your life will be when that decision you dread comes around. Overthinking it now won’t get you anywhere. You can’t let your present self make choices for your future self because you have no clue who you’ll be then.
This goes for any decision – changing jobs, working out, buying something new, starting a new habit, choosing a new book to read, picking a blog topic… When the decision actually has to be made, you’ll have different tools under your belt to make the choice – tools present you doesn’t necessarily have.
As hard as it is, we have to try quieting the flow of thoughts related to future actions. Choices are meant to be made in the moment, not days or hours prior. You have to focus on what’s happening right now and make your move when it’s time. If you make the choice now, you’re more likely to choose less healthy options because your current state is tired, sad, anxious, or what have you.
So do what’s needed of you right now and let the future version of you make choices for themself. Maybe you’ll be surprised by how motivated and well prepared they are when the moment comes.
October 20, 2024
