“Tomorrow’s Self” is not Superman, but a bit more reliable
Today, once again, I found myself ensnared by a multitude of tasks. Despite my best efforts, it was impossible to complete everything within the confines of a single day. Time constraints, waning concentration, and unforeseen obstacles—these myriad reasons underscored the limitations of “today’s self.” Such experiences are universal.
As I deferred the unfinished tasks to tomorrow, a question arose: How is “tomorrow’s self” different from “today’s self”? I do not possess the extraordinary speed of Superman, nor do I conjure groundbreaking ideas that revolutionize the world. It is the same me, confronting the same tasks in the same manner.
Yet, I sense that “tomorrow’s self” is slightly more dependable than “today’s self.” This is because “tomorrow’s self” can approach matters with a touch more composure, informed by today’s experiences. Reflecting on today’s failures and triumphs, I am afforded the time to objectively assess what succeeded and what faltered. Consequently, “tomorrow’s self” can tackle tasks with a bit more wisdom and efficiency.
Indeed, I have experienced failure from overburdening “today’s self.” There was a time when I endeavored to complete a manuscript with an imminent deadline, working late into the night. Fatigue accumulated, concentration waned, and the result was a manuscript riddled with errors and lacking coherence. Ultimately, the revisions consumed more time than anticipated, rendering the effort inefficient. Naturally, this caused inconvenience to colleagues and clients. From this, I learned the importance of progressing with work while taking appropriate breaks, avoiding undue strain.
Today’s struggles and experiences foster growth. Even in failure, these experiences fortify “tomorrow’s self,” making it a bit stronger and more reliable. Today’s efforts are never in vain; rather, they accumulate to shape the future self.
Thus, “today’s self” places hope in “tomorrow’s self.” Not a Superman, but a slightly more reliable self. Believing that “tomorrow’s self” can make a bit more progress than “today’s self.” Everything experienced by “today’s self” becomes the strength that supports “tomorrow’s self.”