Our best days are NOT by chance. Equally true with our worst days.
There’s a pattern.
Our current self either borrows from or builds to our future self.
- Writing → builds future clarity
- Caffeine → borrows future energy
- Booze → borrows future happiness
- Exercise → builds future energy and happiness
- Prepping a to-do list → builds future productivity
Spoiler: we want to BUILD more than we BORROW.
Borrowing leads to fatigue, burnout, and poor decisions.
Building leads to clarity, focus, and peak performance.
It comes down to the habit of small preparation. Legendary basketball coach John Wooden said it best, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”
A question worth repeating, “What’s the SMALLEST thing I can do today, that will have the biggest impact for me tomorrow?”
A few ideas (remember start small):
- Want to write more? Set 3-minute timer to brainstorm ideas today, to write tomorrow.
- Want to exercise? Layout your clothes tonight.
- Want better meetings? Prep notes immediately after each meeting.
Starting small builds momentum. The crazy part is… Once you do it a few times, you form a new standard of operating. Small and consistent punches.
What small action will you do today — to build for your future self tomorrow?