Imminent planning

Research has shown that people are more likely to make decisions that support their long-term goals when they’re mindful of their future self to begin with.

And something I’ve noticed is that I have absolutely no problem adhering to my diet of choice when I pack my lunch. It’s only when faced with the opportunity to snack out of an open fridge (or when presented with a bag of chips)—in the moment—that I tend to fumble.

It’s a lot easier to make decisons that support your future best interests when your actually making decisions for that future self.

On the other hand, it’s more difficult to make good choices if you’re making most of them in the moment, when confronted with pervasive temptation.

The lesson: If you want to do more of something, plan for it.