Thoughtful planning and simple habits can support your future self with grace. No shame. No pressure. Just steady rhythms for real, human days.
I used to push myself to operate at full speed all the time. Like I was a machine: measured by how much I could produce, how efficiently I could move through the day. But real efficiency isn’t about running at top performance every moment. It’s about knowing when to slow down, make a plan, and care for your future self.
Think of a meal you can make on autopilot, something simple like mac and cheese or scrambled eggs. You probably don’t need a recipe. You might even listen to a podcast or have a conversation while you cook. It’s relaxing, familiar, effortless.
Now think of a new recipe that you make maybe once a year. Something like homemade cranberry sauce, a homemade bread, or a harvest stuffing. Your brain fills with questions: Once you gather all the ingredients, do you re-read the recipe? Do you remember the modification you made the last time you created this dish? How many minutes does it need to bake? Where is the measuring cup?
The level of concentration needed for this task creates fatigue.
If you have all the ingredients you need, it is really not about the doing of the task. The difficulty is in the decision-making.
The hard part is the thinking that is involved.
It’s the difference between acting out of habit and creating something new from scratch.
That is what I think about when I create rhythms, routines, lists, and plans. We plan ahead: when we set up systems, write down steps, and prep while we’re alert. Then we make it easier for our future, tired, distracted selves to still move forward.
This is the gift of being kind to your future self.
When I’m clear-headed, I prep for the times when I’m not. I create structure that makes it easier to keep going when I’m overwhelmed or under-motivated.
I don’t expect myself to be “on” all the time anymore and that has changed everything.
Practical Steps to take:
Here are some ways that I help my future self.
Lists – I make lots of lists. In lots of areas. Usually in one place: My Bullet Journal. I write detailed, specific tasks and then when completed, I check them off. Knowing what I need to do creates autonomy and choice instead of general overwhelm and frustration.
Habits & Routines – I am able to mindlessly do the things that get me ready for the next step. When I am tired, grumpy, or not fully awake I can just mindlessly do the actions in my routine to move things forward. No thinking is required. Just slow methodical action until my brain fully wakes up.
Seasonal Planning – each season has its own unique challenges and tasks and that is okay. I embrace each season with it highs and lows. I have areas that I focus on in each season so that I’m not doing everything all at once.
Weekend Rest – my great ideas come when I can take a break from the daily pressure of getting things done. My best ideas and next steps arrive when I am relaxing on my porch with a cup of tea and watching my kids play tag or on a hike in the desert.
Adventure – Sometimes what I need is a new perspective. I often get that on our weekend RV trips with my family. Detours and mishaps that happen during travel develop perseverance and family bonds. I learn that I am more capable than I realized and that the world is bigger than my home.
The Big Picture – I am reminded that I am enough no matter what I get done or where I fail. My identity is not changed by outside circumstances.
In each of these areas I continue to become a more well-rounded version of myself.
Try a few of these ideas and see what changes in your life.
How can you add some detailed list making to your daily routine?
What time this week can you take a relaxing walk or sit quietly in the living room to think?
Where can you add in a bit of adventure to spark some creativity?
What season of the year are you in right now? What can you do to plan for that well?
Do not believe the lies that you must always be at your best.
Plan something fun. Give yourself permission to be human. You are not meant to run at full speed forever. That is not humanly possible. Even for an overachiever like me.🙂
Efficiency is NOT about running at top performance all the time.
And you don’t have to do it all at once. One kind action today can shape a better tomorrow for future you.
I’m cheering for you!
If you’re new around here > > Hello! 😁
My name is April Edwards.
I write for the quietly overwhelmed, for those feeling like adulting is just one long To-Do list, and anyone feeling frustrated with hustle culture. I enjoy getting to the heart of what needs to change and then creating simple, practical tips that make an impact.
