Ever catch yourself wondering what life would look like if you had just started certain habits sooner?
It’s easy to overlook the small actions that could set us up for success in the long run. We get so focused on immediate results that we forget how our day-to-day choices quietly shape our future.
But the truth is, there are certain habits your future self will thank you for—a lot. And while they may not seem urgent now, they’re the foundation for a life that feels purposeful, balanced, and fulfilling.
I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit, and a passionate advocate for mindfulness. And I firmly believe that there are certain habits that your future self will thank you for.
In this piece, I’ll share with you 8 habits that should be on your priority list. Trust me, your future self will be grateful.
1) Prioritizing health and wellness
Let’s face it, we’re all guilty of taking our health for granted from time to time.
But, as the saying goes, health is wealth. Investing in your health really is a habit you should start sooner than later.
Whether it’s incorporating regular exercise into your routine, eating a balanced diet, or prioritizing mental health through mindfulness practices – these are all investments in your future well-being.
When you choose to care for your body consistently, you’re giving yourself a solid foundation for the future—a future where you’ll have the strength, confidence, and vitality to keep reaching your goals.
Listen to your body, respect its needs – it’s the only one you’ve got.
2) Embracing mindfulness
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to live in the present.
I remember a time in my life when everything was go, go, go. I was working long hours, barely sleeping and always thinking about the next thing on my to-do list. I was so focused on the future that I barely noticed the present.
It wasn’t until I discovered mindfulness that I realized what I was missing.
Mindfulness taught me to slow down, to appreciate the here and now, and to find joy in the simplest things. Not only that, but according to science, it actually changes your brain and makes it more attentive and efficient!
It’s a practice that can transform not just your mental health, but also your overall quality of life.
3) Living with impact and minimal ego
In the pursuit of success, it’s all too easy to let our egos take the driver’s seat. But here’s the truth: A life led by ego is seldom fulfilling.
It’s when we learn to live with impact and minimal ego that we truly begin to see change. And trust me, this is a change your future self will thank you for.
In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deep into this concept. I discuss how letting go of your ego and focusing on making a positive impact can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
This isn’t about suppressing who you are, but rather about embracing a mindset of service to others and to the world around us.
By focusing on the impact we can make, rather than on feeding our egos, we actually make a difference in the larger world. And that’s a place your future self will be glad you ventured into sooner rather than later.
4) Cultivating emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is a crucial skill that’s often overlooked.
It’s the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict.
Research has shown that people with high EQ are happier and have better mental health, job performance, and leadership skills. But it’s not just about professional success. Emotional intelligence plays a key role in our personal lives as well.
By understanding and managing our emotions, we’re better able to navigate relationships, make informed decisions, and maintain a positive outlook.
In fact, psychologist Daniel Goleman asserts that EQ is a bigger predictor of success than IQ. He says, “In navigating our lives, it is our fears and envies, our rages and depressions, our worries and anxieties that steer us day to day. Even the most academically brilliant among us are vulnerable to being undone by unruly emotions.”
This brings me to the next point…
5) Investing in relationships
Humans are social creatures by nature. We thrive on connection, on shared experiences, and on the support and love we receive from others.
But in our busy lives, it’s easy to neglect this crucial aspect of our wellbeing.
Investing time and energy in nurturing our relationships is not just about creating happy memories. It’s about building a support network that will be there for us through thick and thin, through the highs and lows that life inevitably throws our way.
Whether it’s spending quality time with family, catching up with old friends, or making an effort to meet new people – each interaction adds value to our lives.
And remember, it’s not just about the quantity of our relationships, but the quality. As psychotherapist Esther Perel said, “The quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives.”
6) Embracing failure
Yes, you read that right. Embrace failure.
It sounds counter-intuitive, doesn’t it? We’re so often taught to avoid failure at all costs, to see it as the enemy of success.
But here’s the truth: failure is a part of life and, more importantly, it’s a crucial part of growth.
When we fail, we learn. We discover what doesn’t work and we’re pushed to find what does. Each failure is an opportunity to grow stronger, smarter, and more resilient.
The sooner you learn to see failure in a positive light, the more resilient and successful you’ll become.
7) Practicing gratitude
There was a period where everything seemed to be going wrong in my life. It was easy to get lost in the negativity, to focus on all the things that were not as they should be. And then, amidst all the chaos, gratitude found its way in.
Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s a mindset, a way of seeing the world. It’s about recognizing the good in our lives and appreciating what we have.
Even in the toughest times, there’s always something to be grateful for. It could be as simple as a sunny day, a good book, or a kind word from a friend. These small moments of joy add up and can make a big difference in our overall happiness and wellbeing.
This is not to say that practicing gratitude will magically solve all your problems. But it can give you a more positive outlook on life, and that in itself can make your problems seem a little less daunting.
8) Making time for self-discovery
Lastly, let me ask you a question — how well do you really know yourself?
It might sound odd, but you’d be surprised how so many people don’t really take the time for self-discovery. They just let themselves get swept up in the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Getting to know ourselves better is one of the most important investments we can make. When we know what our beliefs and values are, and when we understand why we are the way we are, the better we can navigate through life.
We can make more informed decisions, build stronger relationships, and lead a more fulfilling life.
So start today. Make time for self-discovery. Your future self will thank you for it.
In conclusion: It’s all about choices
When it comes to our habits, it’s all about the choices we make today that set the stage for our future selves.
Every decision, big or small, shapes the person we become. It’s a constant process of evolution, of learning and growing.
In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into some of these habits. I share practical tips and insights on how to cultivate these habits in your everyday life.
Your future self is shaped by the choices you make today. So choose wisely.
And always remember this quote from psychologist Carl Rogers: “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination.” So keep moving in the right direction. Your future self will thank you for it.
