The version of you that existed 10 years ago is probably unrecognisable. You may not even realise it, but if you take the time to look back, you will find yourself saying things like “oh my God, I used to actually wear a shell-suit”. But it’s not just cool fashion choices that have changed – more importantly, the self has changed. Maybe for the better, or maybe for the worse.
It’s pretty simple – if we have mostly unhealthy habits, over time, we will be unhealthy. If we have mostly healthy habits, over time, we will be healthy.
Who is in charge of when ripped jeans are cool and not cool?
Versions of You:
Past – The A version of you was from some years ago, and you decided to make some changes because you weren’t happy.
Present – The B version of you is right now, the result of those changes.
Future – The C version of you exists in the future. You might be happy with B and that’s you for the rest of your life, but if not, what would you like C to be doing day to day? Let me illustrate with an example:
A – Junk food, junk media, poor sleep, low mood
B – Gym once per week, whole food, drinking water, reading
C – Gym three times per week, whole food, drinking water, walking, eight hours sleep
Everybody’s C is going to look different, there isn’t a right or wrong, you get to decide.
Without thinking about it though, the C version of you could be something that B would not be happy with. The slow creep of convenience, pleasure, instant gratification through junk food and junk media. We naturally take the path of least resistance if we haven’t taken the time to assess our choices and the direction we’d like to go in.
Sadly with a face tattoo, it’s going to follow you into the future no matter what you do
Future Me:
Smarter – If you expose yourself to new ideas in books, film, documentaries and conversations.
Stronger – Going to the gym to focus on strength
Wider Food Palette -Trying new foods and recipes
Happier – Finding a philosophy of life
Implementation:
Pick one thing you’d like to improve that your future self will be thankful for. Implement it until it becomes normalised. Then, pick your next thing and repeat.
And remember, Suzuki says “Each of you is perfect the way you are, and you can use a little improvement.”
If you need help planning your C, let your B get in touch. C will be happy you did!