Make Things Easier for Your “Future Self”

In recent years a friend introduced me to the idea of my “future self.” She said things like, “My future self will be so happy if I do this now.” The idea is that, thinking ahead to what you’re going to want in the future, you can find motivation to do NOW what will make you happier in the future.

So let’s play with this a little and consider organizing tips that will make things easier for your future self:

Put things where they belong instead of just placing them somewhere; your future self will know where to find them.

Take a few minutes to clean up the kitchen at night. Your future self will appreciate seeing a fresh space in the morning, without dirty dishes and a cluttered counter.

Take 15 minutes now to clean out a drawer; there will be less for your future self to worry about.

Make time to purge your closet; when your future self sees an item you’d really like to purchase, you’ll know there’s room in the closet. (Bonus: It will also help you know what you have, so you don’t overbuy.)

Take inventory and declutter before you organize. When it’s time to organize, your future self will know that you want to keep what has been thoughtfully considered.

Take time to care for organizing tasks ahead of time to make things easier for your future self!