Cultivate empathy starting with self-compassion, then extend it to those who came before you, and finally to future generations, including your future self.
Recognize that you are always doing the best you can with what you have, and acknowledge that your past self acted from a different emotional and psychological place.
Dedicate 5-10 minutes daily to close your eyes and look inward, exiting stimulus-response mode to understand greater wishes and link current thinking to past and future.
Each morning, ask yourself what you will do today to make your day better, focusing on actionable steps within the 24-hour unit of your circadian biology.
Shift your perception of the future from a singular noun to a plural verb, recognizing that there are multiple possible futures and that you actively participate in creating them through your actions today.
When envisioning desired future outcomes, connect them to the emotional state you want to feel, as these emotions act as a ‘kedge anchor’ to drive necessary actions and behavioral changes.
Engage in projects or actions whose full benefits you may not personally experience, contributing to a legacy that will serve future generations.
Consciously model benevolent and kind behavior in all daily interactions, as these actions serve as cultural units (memes) that are transmitted to future generations, especially those closest to you.
Critically examine the inherited stories and cultural norms that shape your behavior, discern which ones serve you, and then actively write new, empowering stories for yourself that align with your desired future.
Engage in a death meditation or similar practice to confront your own mortality, as reconciling with your eventual non-existence can free you from societal burdens and foster long-term future orientation.
Use an aged photo of yourself (e.g., from an app) and place it where you’ll see it daily, like a bathroom mirror, to foster a stronger connection and compassion for your future self and encourage better long-term decisions.
Write a letter to your future self, to be delivered in 5-10 years, detailing your hopes, dreams, and fears, as the act of writing helps visualize your desired future and creates a roadmap.
Place an empty photo frame in your home to visually represent future generations, serving as a daily reminder to consider the long-term impact of your decisions on their well-being.
When facing immediate stimulus-response situations, use ‘Long Path’ as a mantra to consciously shift your perspective towards the bigger picture and long-term implications of your actions.
Actively contribute to and consume stories that depict ‘protopias’ – better, not perfect, tomorrows where progress is being made – to inspire collective action and pull society towards desired futures.
Make daily flossing a non-negotiable habit, as it is crucial for maintaining long-term oral, brain, and body health, directly benefiting your future self.