It's impossible to know where you'll be in 6 months. But you can help that future version of yourself today. We are often real jerks to our future selves because we treat them like a personal butler. Signing them up for things we don't want to deal with now: "I'll get to it later", "I'll do that next week", "Why should I worry about that now?" But like taxes, you will have to pay sooner or later.

To combat this form of time entitlement, you should start thinking like a good roommate to future you. If you're waiting by the door, take out the trash. If you're taking off your shoes, untie them, so they're ready to be put on later. If you can accomplish something small right now, get it done as quickly as possible. Your future self will thank you for it the same way you thank a roommate when they do something nice.

Sometimes our future selves get overwhelmed because it's easy to get ambitious. Signing up for a lot of things now feels good, because we all want to be more accomplished when we're older. But remember that future you is not a Superhero. They need rest and relaxation just like you do right now. So budget time for long breaks and doing nothing. Making time to recharge will help you be even more productive in the long run. And don't forget that saying NO to unimportant obligations is always an option.

Future you has a life outside of work, give them the tools and time they need to succeed.

Support LAWK: Life Advice with Keon by donating to the tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/lawk-life-advice-with-keon

Find out more on the LAWK: Life Advice with Keon website.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.