Hi, this is Monique Rhodes. Welcome to the In Your Right Mind Podcast, where we're learning how to be happier by working with our minds.
If you’d like to know more about what I teach, come to MoniqueRhodes.com and try the Happiness Quiz — it’s a great way to find out where your happiness levels are and how you can increase them.
A Late-Night Lesson
Yesterday I was driving home, and I needed to get gas for my car.
The truth is, I could have done it today instead. But I knew if it rained, I wouldn’t want to go out.
So there I was — late, tired, and it was already raining. The gas station was only three minutes away, but I didn’t want to do it.
And in that moment, I had to have a conversation with myself.
I had to talk to my future self.
I didn’t do it because I felt like it.
I did it because my future self would thank me.
When Motivation Isn’t There
Some days, our motivation just isn’t there.
We don’t feel like stretching or meditating.
We don’t feel like writing, saving money, or saying no to that extra glass of wine.
And in those moments, effort feels like such a heavy lift — especially when we’re tired, distracted, or overwhelmed.
But there’s one mindset that can change everything:
Do it for your future self.
Not out of guilt.
Not out of pressure.
But as a quiet act of love for the version of you who hasn’t arrived yet.
The Power of Caring for Who You’re Becoming
Your future self is just as real as the person listening to this right now.
They’re the one who will live with the choices you’re making today.
They’ll wake up tomorrow carrying the energy you created today.
They’ll feel the tone of the thoughts you’re thinking now.
They’ll live inside the environment you’re shaping — through your habits, your kindness, and your consistency.
Every small decision you make is casting a vote for the life your future self will get to live.
Small Acts, Big Love
Thinking long-term about your future self doesn’t mean grand gestures.
It’s about small acts of care that build trust within yourself.
- Brushing your teeth so your future self doesn’t get cavities.
- Saving a little money so your future self feels safe.
- Journaling so your future self remembers what mattered most to you now.
- Saying no today so your future self doesn’t feel overwhelmed next week.
These aren’t chores — they’re love letters to the you that’s still on their way.
A Story of Two Minutes
I once had a client who told me his house felt overwhelming and cluttered.
He said, “It’s too much. I don’t even know where to start.”
So I asked him, “Can you spend two minutes doing something your future self will thank you for?”
He rolled his eyes — but he tried.
He set a timer for two minutes, picked up a few things, and put them away.
It felt surprisingly good.
The next day, two minutes turned into five.
Then five turned into ten.
Two weeks later, his space felt different — but more importantly, he felt different.
He told me, “I finally feel like I’m being a good friend to myself.”
That’s what this work is.
Being a good friend to your future self.
Planting Trees You May Never Sit Under
You don’t have to overhaul your life.
You just need to build a relationship with who you’re becoming.
Every small act of care today becomes a foundation for ease tomorrow.
Practice the skill now so you’re ready when the moment comes.
Go for the walk so your heart is stronger next year.
Say no so your calendar breathes next week.
Think of it as planting trees you may never sit under — but your future self will.
And I promise you, they’ll be grateful you did.
A Simple Daily Question
Each day, ask yourself:
What’s one small thing I can do today that will pay off in a year — or even five?
Then do it — not out of obligation, but out of devotion.
Not to be better, but to be kind.
Because the best kind of self-love isn’t always about spa days or affirmations.
It’s often about doing the quiet, unglamorous things — over and over — because you care about the version of you who’s still on their way.
They’re going to need you.
And right now, you get to show up for them.
I hope this has been helpful.
And if you want to be happier — and be around others who are learning to be happier — come join me in The Happiness Club.
Go to MoniqueRhodes.com, click on Courses, and you’ll find it there.
As always, be kind, take care, and go gently in the world.
