So, the easy button.

The one question that makes all this super f*cking simple.

The one question that motivates the kind of change you can stick to sustainably.

I’ve used this in so many areas of my life to become the person I want to be, over and over and over again. To leave relationships that weren’t working. To quit smoking. To get back into the gym and make it a consistent habit.

Even in the last few months, I’ve used it to start up my blog and build my YouTube channel, and I’m using it right now to get the body I want again after a journey with grief.

And I’m even asking this question to write my first full-fledged book over the next few months (you heard it here first).

This question is so deliciously simple – but the best things in life usually are.

It all starts with having a conversation with your future self.

Not just any “future version” of yourself but the one who is living the exact life you want. That future self who has already made the change. Who embodies all the personality traits, habits, rituals, lifestyle, body, charisma, and excellence you desire.

And you can ask them just about anything.

But what I’ve found to be the most impactful action-spurring question is this:

“What would future me do right now?”

Try it right now.

What’s something you’ve wanted but keep putting off?

Ask the question, then “listen” for the answer.

Ever heard of the term “self-concept inertia”?

It’s that cognitive dissonance you experience when you’re not acting like the person you say you want to become, despite your conscious efforts.

That feeling when your brain wants two opposite things at the same time.

I like to think of it as a jetlag in identity.

And when the mind is split like this, it’s because you have too many options. And allowing yourself too many options makes deciding feel overwhelmingly worse than it actually is, and you’ll wind up feeling unsatisfied with whatever choice you make.

But want to know the kinds of regret that will haunt you the most?

The real opportunities life presents you never take action on, especially the ones that can change your circumstances forever. (source)

So, give yourself the one option that bypasses overthinking, cuts the bullsh*t, and forces a choice:

“What would my future self decide to do here?”

The rest of your decisions and actions will become simple and clear. And as a result, you’ll not only build trust with yourself, but that “future you” you want to become unfolds much more easily and quickly than you ever thought possible.

And because you’ve read this article, you’re going to think of this question in those moments when you hesitate or overthink or procrastinate – you know, that old familiar Self-Doubt Loop.

So, I want to give you a practice that you can use regularly to build this “future self” muscle. It will interrupt that old pattern and help you to become more decisive.

When you catch yourself in the loop, try this:

   1. Pause and take three deep breaths.
   2. Ask: “What would my ‘future self’ choose right now?
   3. Listen for the answer – a nudge, a mental image, a hint of movement in the body, an impression, or a phrase.
   4. Take a tiny action.
   5. Feel the satisfaction of taking one small step towards that “future you.”

Try it throughout the day for the next few days and notice what changes. This little ritual is enough to start rewiring your behavior and thought patterns, and it will help to create momentum in your life…