Most of us are constantly in a struggle between what we want in the moment and what will pay off in the long run. In those situations, ask your always-available manager: your future self.
As Psychology Today points out, treating your future self as a Hollywood-style manager that you’ve hired to advise you can help keep your perspective on important issues:
I’m the boss, and I don’t have to take my manager’s advice — but on the other hand, I pay my manager to help me. I’d be an idiot not to pay attention.
These days, when I struggle with something, I ask myself, “What does my manager say?” Often it’s very obvious to my manager what course I should follow, even if I can’t decide (weird right?).
Of course, your future self is worth listening to. They have more life experience than you do, and they aren’t bogged down by your little day-to-day worries or desires. Your future self “manager” would be more than happy to tell you that you should save money or get some rest instead of blowing cash on energy drinks and all-nighters. After all, they are the ones dealing with the health effects later on.
Why I Consult My “Manager,” and Why She Always Takes My Call [Psychology Today]
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