What Does Your Future Self Need
Your future self is created from what you are doing today. You are either doing things to help or hinder your future self. Maybe you’re doing things to help your future self like meal planning, exercising, working off a to do list, etc. But, you may also be doing things that are causing more detriment than good for your future self. Such as, stressing out or worrying about things you cannot control, not taking care of yourself, overcommitting yourself to too many projects, surrounding yourself with toxic people, listening to the negativity in your mind, etc. It’s time you start recognizing what your future self needs to set yourself up for success.
Your Future Self
The first step in recognizing what your future self needs is to start by getting crystal clear on what you want in the future. Visualize what you’re doing, who you’re with, where you are, what you’re working towards, etc. Get clear on how you feel. Maybe that’s excited, passionate, driven, courageous, etc. This is the future version of you who is living your dream life. Determine what that exactly looks and feels like for you.
Today’s Practice
Now that you have a clear image of your future self, it’s time to tune into what that future version of you needs from you in the current moment. Who you’re being today and what action steps you’re currently taking are creating your future. It’s what you’re doing each day that will determine your future. One of the biggest things your future self needs is for you to take care of yourself.
Self Care
Begin taking care of yourself by slowing down, pausing, reducing stress, taking a break, resting, and recharging your batteries. You can’t keep running a million miles an hour without burn out. Soothe yourself in high stress moments. Get enough sleep, fuel your body with healthy food, go for walks and exercise, etc. Feed your mind with uplifting, motivational content that inspires you instead of drama or news that drags you down. Find ways to self soothe when you start feeling anxious or stressed. Maybe that’s turning on a certain playlist, dancing it out, walking, taking a few deep breaths, meditating, etc. Self care starts by acknowledging when you need to recalibrate which is quite often indicated by how you’re feeling.
Feelings
One thing your future self needs, but is not always easy to do, is to feel your feelings. This will allow you to recognize what your mind, body, and spirit truly need. If you just continue to brush your feelings aside and keep your head down, pushing to achieve your goal, you’ll burn out. Or worse, end up somewhere you thought you wanted to be but realize it no longer aligns with what you truly want. Notice when you’re feeling off. Maybe this is a physical sensation in your body like an ache, pain, or numbness. It could just be your mood feels down, depressed, and less energized than usual. It’s tuning in with yourself to realize when something doesn’t feel quite right.
Self Love
Love yourself enough to put your needs first and take care of yourself. Think about how you could show yourself love and compassion. Maybe you’re feeling down and beating yourself up for eating something unhealthy or skipping a few workouts. Instead of getting down on yourself, draw the line in the sand and begin again by choosing a new healthy action. That can be as simple as showing yourself some love. Be honest with yourself and recognize that everyone slips up. It’s not the things you do every now and again. It’s the things you do on a daily basis that add up and get you to your future self. Ask yourself how you show yourself some love today.
Bravery
Your future self also needs you to be brave enough to step outside your comfort zone, to do difficult things, and take action towards your goals. It’s realizing how strong, smart, and capable you are. You have everything you need to achieve your goal. To trust and believe in yourself that it is possible. Your future self needs you to do the things that allow you to learn and growth for your long term benefit, even if it feels difficult and uneasy in the short term. Your future self needs you to show up today for the life you want. That means in all the small, little ways to the big, bold action steps that really move the needle.
You may find yourself putting the thoughts, feelings, wants, and desires of other people before your own. However, your future self needs you to love yourself enough to put your needs first. This can be difficult to do but you can do it! If you were to concentrate on yourself for a moment, ask yourself what does your future self need from you today to create the future of your dreams. Honor what comes up for you. Choose courage, compassion, honesty, and love so that you’re on the path that feels right to you. Pay attention to how you’re feeling today. When you notice something isn’t feeling right, that’s a sign to check in. Start acknowledging what you can do for your future self so that you can get to where you truly want to be in your life.
Take Action Challenge
The Future Self Check In
This week, your goal is to stop reacting and start responding from what your future self actually needs.
Step 1: Ask The Daily Question
At the start of each day, ask yourself what does my future self need from me today?
Write down 1–3 things that come up.
Step 2: Identify The Type Of Need
Notice what category it falls into:
- Self-care (rest, nourishment, slowing down)
- Action (working on your goal, taking a step forward)
- Boundaries (saying no, protecting your time/energy)
- Mindset (shifting negative thoughts, self-compassion)
This helps you understand what you’re truly missing.
Step 3: Follow Through On One Thing
You don’t need to do everything.
Just choose one thing and commit to it.
- Take a walk
- Do a 15-minute task
- Go to bed earlier
- Say no when you normally say yes
Small aligned actions build your future.
Step 4: Check In At Night
At the end of the day, ask yourself, did I show up for my future self today?
No judgment here, just awareness.
Your future self isn't created by big days of perfect action. Your future self is created by the small ways you choose yourself every single day.
