I struggle with procrastination (like we all do). We all prioritize exciting and immediately rewarding behaviour over that which is important (and often boring). A few years ago, I stumbled on an interesting perspective that helped me get better at getting things done.
The Philosophy of Two Selves
Procrastination (or any vice that prevents success, affects health, etc) can be considered as self-defeating behaviour. Literally, your present self is engaging in behaviour that is literally defeating your Future Self.
Research shows that most people, when thinking about their Future Self, have the same brain patterns/activity as when they think about a stranger. This means their current self has no emotional or mental connection to their Future Self as someone they know or empathise with.
The gap between intention and action is a gap between Present Self and Future Self. Self-continuity or empathy towards Future Self can be a first step in helping us avoid making bad choices in the present that undermine or hurt Future Self.
Pulling away from a task that’s necessary right now puts unnecessary stress on your Future Self. You have to realize that the person who has to suffer from the consequences of your current choices is your Future Self. (It seems rather obvious, no?)
But more importantly, the positive choices you make today will help Future Self work better, live healthier and generally have a more positive life.
So instead of thinking of your future as some abstract concept, visualize your Future Self and how they will be, look, live and act based on the choices you make today, right now.
Remind yourself how developing a daily exercise routine today will prevent health complications twenty years from now. Resolve that sending those twenty proposals or finishing that project right now will lead to a better life next year.
It’s a step that goes beyond simply stating goals because it allows you to see yourself and project the results of today’s work and choices into an actual person/lifestyle/event 6 months or 10 years from now. And your Future Self will be eternally grateful.
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Onwards & Upwards!