Do it for your future self.

Today I was faced with a decision I face almost every day: do I clean the coffee pot now, or do I save it for later?

When I choose “save it for later,” I know exactly how the story goes. Later turns into later… and then later again. Eventually I wake up the next morning, wander into the kitchen half-awake, ready for coffee — and there it is. A dirty coffee pot. Waiting for me. Before I can even start my day.

If you’ve been there, you know how frustrating this feels. You’re already behind before the day has even begun. That’s how I think about it. Instead of starting at position zero, I’m now at position negative one.

When I choose “clean the coffee pot now,” I’m annoyed in the moment. It’s not a fun task. I don’t suddenly enjoy it while I’m doing it. And even after I finish, I’m still mildly irritated that it had to be done at all.

But then two great things happen.

First, every time I walk into the kitchen and see that clean coffee pot, I get a little hit of joy. The annoying task is already done. The rest of the day feels lighter. It’s like a tiny celebration, over and over again, because past me took care of it.

Second, the next morning I get to start my day exactly where I want to. Not behind. Not fixing yesterday’s procrastination. Just moving forward, on time.

In other words, I looked out for my future self. I did him a favor.

Every time I choose “do it for my future self,” I win. I power through the annoyance once, and then I get to enjoy the afterglow for hours, days, or even months. I never regret that decision. It’s basically the same feeling as paying your taxes early — mildly painful upfront, incredibly relieving afterward.

So this week, and every week, when you’re tempted to put something off, try telling yourself this:

Do it for your future self.

They will love you for it.

If you want to make choices that help your future self, my weekly productivity system is built around exactly that idea.