Some time ago, I came across a fascinating post on Substack (I’ve tried but couldn’t locate it again) that explored the concept of delegating decisions to one’s future self. This idea resonated with me immediately. More recently, I read Matthew Dicks' book, Someday Is Today, which includes a chapter about considering the perspective of your hundred-year-old self when making decisions. And just a few days ago, I stumbled upon another blog post titled Making Decisions as My Future Self, which reminded my to share this powerful strategy.
Since encountering this idea for the first time, I’ve adopted it as a guiding principle when I make decisions. I’ve found it particularly helpful when it comes to nutrition and overall health. For years, when I struggled with obesity, my choices were often driven by immediate gratification. I ate unhealthy foods in excessive quantities, giving little thought to the long-term consequences of my actions. Exercise wasn’t a priority either. I was focused entirely on the present moment, without considering how these choices would affect my future.
Now, when making decisions about food or exercise, I intentionally pause and think about my future self. I ask questions like: How will I feel after this meal? How will skipping exercise today impact my health as I age? This shift in perspective has been transformative, allowing me to prioritise long-term well-being over short-term satisfaction.
What’s remarkable is that this approach isn’t limited to health and nutrition — it applies to every aspect of my life. Whenever I make a conscious decision, I try to imagine my future self: wiser, more considerate, and deeply invested in achieving better outcomes over time. This future-focused mindset has become a powerful tool, as my future self always knows better!