are you helping or hurting your future self?

I was thinking this morning about our future selves. Every decision you make affects your future in one way or another. It could be helpful to ask yourself before each decision or as you go throughout your day, "Am I helping or hurting my future self?"

You could even go further and determine if you would be helping or hurting your future self in the short-term or long-term. Some decisions may affect both. For example, if you choose to eat a healthy lunch at home over a fast food one, you are likely helping your short-term and long-term future self. If you decide to procrastinate on a work project, you are probably hurting your future self because you will have to muster up the motivation later and may feel more stress. 

Of course, we shouldn't look at this question as a way to control ourselves and others too much and be "perfect." We are human and we will never be perfect. There will be days when you don't feel your best and taking care of your very basic needs is all you can do. That is okay!

On the days where you feel your best, asking yourself this question throughout the day can really help you think about the consequences to your decisions, big or small. In these times when everything feels out of our control, we might realize that there are many things we can control to be happier and healthier. 

So today, as you make both small and big decisions, ask yourself, "Am I hurting or helping my future self?" If the answer is helping, you're on to a great decision! If the answer is hurting, determine how much damage that decision can potentially do. For instance, one cookie once in a while will not hurt anything... treat yourself! On the other hand, deciding to do something more dangerous could affect you negatively in the short-term and long-term. 

Let me know, have you ever tried this? If you try it, comment below and tell me your experience with it! It is definitely something I will keep trying in hopes of giving my future self the best life possible.