Ever been torn between what feels good in the moment and what you know you should do? Like reaching for that ice cream late at night, skipping your workout, or hitting the snooze button one more time? We’ve all been there. It can feel like an endless battle between doing what’s easy and doing what’s right for your future self.
A simple way to start making better choices is to ask yourself: "What would tomorrow's version of me be proud of?" It’s a quick question, but it can totally change how you think about your decisions. Studies show that people who think about their future selves are more likely to make choices they feel good about later.
This little shift in thinking can help you make choices today that you'll thank yourself for tomorrow. Let’s talk about how to start living with a mindset that makes every day count.
What's Holding You Back?
It's normal to crave instant satisfaction. Whether it’s that piece of cake or an extra hour of sleep, your brain is wired to seek pleasure right now. But sometimes, these choices can make us feel guilty or regretful later. And when this keeps happening, it can start to affect how you feel about yourself.
Imagine it’s a Friday night. You’ve been good all week, sticking to your goals, eating healthy, and getting exercise. But tonight, all you want is to kick back and indulge a little. And that’s okay! But if it becomes a pattern—choosing short-term pleasure over long-term goals—you might find yourself stuck in a loop of feeling good in the moment but bad afterward.
We often think, “It’s just this once,” or “I deserve this today,” but the truth is, those small decisions add up. Each little choice either brings you closer to the person you want to be or takes you further away.
The good news? You can break the pattern and make choices that will make you proud when you wake up tomorrow.
Discovering the Path Forward
The next time you're faced with a decision—big or small—try asking yourself this: "What would the tomorrow morning version of me be proud of?" It’s not about being perfect; it’s about making choices that you’ll feel good about later. A small change in thinking can lead to big changes in behavior.
For example, if you’re debating whether to have that dessert, think about how you’ll feel tomorrow. Will you feel proud that you enjoyed a treat and stopped at one piece? Or will you regret it if you go overboard? By thinking about how your future self will feel, you create a moment of pause. This pause gives you the power to choose what’s right for you.
A study from the University of Southern California found that people who think about their future selves are more likely to make choices that benefit their long-term goals. This means that by simply imagining how you'll feel later, you're already on your way to making better choices today.
So go ahead—ask yourself what the tomorrow-you would be proud of.
Simple Steps to Start Today
Here are 6 simple ways to make choices that your future self will thank you for:
Ask the Right Question: Before making a choice, ask, "What will the tomorrow morning version of me be proud of?" It helps you think long-term.
Visualize Tomorrow: Picture yourself waking up the next day. How do you want to feel? Energized? Proud? Use that feeling to guide your choice.
Keep It Balanced: It’s okay to treat yourself sometimes. The key is balance. Make sure your choices align with your bigger goals most of the time.
Start Small: Don't worry about changing everything at once. Start with one choice a day that you'll be proud of tomorrow, like taking a walk or drinking more water.
Celebrate Your Wins: Each time you make a choice that makes you proud, celebrate it. Every small step is progress toward your best self.
Let Go of Guilt: If you make a choice you're not proud of, don't beat yourself up. Learn from it and use it as motivation to make a better choice next time.
Remember, every day is a new chance to make choices that bring you closer to your goals. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about progress.
Igniting Your Motivation
It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and do what feels good now. But when you start thinking about how your choices will make you feel tomorrow, it becomes easier to make decisions you’ll be proud of. And guess what? The more you practice this, the better you get at it.
A powerful quote to remember is from Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Each day is a chance to learn, grow, and make choices that align with the person you want to become.
So whenever you’re faced with a choice, just remember to ask, “What will make the tomorrow morning version of me smile?”
Insights from Dr. Peter Gagliardo
Dr. Peter Gagliardo, a holistic life coach and expert in creating lasting change, believes that the choices we make today shape the lives we live tomorrow. With over 20 years of experience helping people find balance and make healthier choices, Dr. Gagliardo’s approach is all about focusing on simple shifts in mindset.
“Your best self is built one choice at a time,” says Dr. Gagliardo. “By thinking about how you want to feel tomorrow, you can make decisions today that align with your goals and values.”
Dr. Gagliardo helps people make small, meaningful changes in their daily habits, allowing them to feel more connected, empowered, and proud of the lives they're creating.
Take Your Next Step Toward Change
Ready to start making choices that your tomorrow-self will thank you for? It’s time to take that first step, and I’m here to help you along the way. Schedule a free discovery call to talk about how you can start making simple, proud choices each day.
Every small choice brings you closer to the person you want to be. Let’s take this journey together and create a life you’re excited to wake up to.
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