When it comes to doing things we don’t want to do, we’re in a constant battle between our current selves and our future selves. We could either, let’s say, do our taxes that are due very soon, or continue to read this book we’re really into right now and leave the tax prep to our future selves. Sure, Current You loves this idea, but how would Future You feel about it? Honestly, probably not great.
So, Reddit user DoesNotCompute91 suggests doing a solo Q&A as a way to stop putting off tasks we’d rather not have to do. They posted the following in the LifeProTips channel:
If you struggle to get something done, no matter how big or small, ask yourself the question: how can I make my future self happy? That way, it becomes more like a favor than a task and a favor is easier to do than a task.
Even if you’re not usually one to do people favors, keep in mind that the recipient of this particular favor is you. Sure, you’re inconvenienced now, but just think about your future self being able to kick back and relax instead of (hypothetically) rushing to get their taxes finished and submitted on July 15th? Plus, no one knows what kind of fresh hell tomorrow will bring, so your future self may have to deal with a new even worse task, on top of doing the thing you’ve been putting off. Don’t do that to yourself.
Not sure where to start or need more tips to stop procrastinating? Here are some of our previous posts that could help:
How to Stop Procrastinating, With Behavior Scientist BJ Fogg
You Don’t Have a Procrastination Problem, You Have an Impulsivity Problem
Throw a ‘Do Something You’ve Been Avoiding’ Party for 10 Minutes
Now go and make your future self proud.