I Need To Stop Talking To My Younger Self

Common advice content creators give to new creators,

"Talk to your younger self."

Great advice for someone who is already an expert at their field. Not for someone who is just getting started.

Why?

When it comes to self-development/teaching, the CONTEXT of the content matters a lot more.

Why do we watch Alex Hormozi, Chris Williamson, Jordan Peterson, Ryan Holliday etc.?

They have undeniable proof that reinforces who they say they are and what they have done.

Well... in saying that, I still want to get better at the content game. Might as well start now, right?

The better advice is what Gary Vaynerchuck gives,

"Document, don't create."

In my mental framework, the only way I can document is not for an audience. Because documenting your learnings for an audience is indirectly teaching them.

Took me a while to work out who I needed to talk to while I'm on camera. I might have figured it out.

It's my future self.

I got this answer because I thought to myself,

What value added is there in giving my past self lessons that I know now? Why would my future self need to learn from my past self? He would have already internalised the lessons and teachings. He is the better version of me, of course.

So, if I went in the other direction of time, the relationship I would have when talking to my future self is telling him what I have done. Not what I'm about to do.

Because ideas are great. But they're no good if I don't execute on them.

The past is dead. Time marches us forward towards the future. And the present is the only time we experience.

If I am still the student, what is the point in teaching my past self? Ego?

As Hormozi puts it, once you stop learning, you're telling the universe that you have enough. That there is no more room for improvement.

So, talking to my future self is putting me in my place in the present. When I turn that camera on, I'm telling him what I've done to help him be in the position he's in.

Because, when I do become my future self, my past actions will be held to account. "We live in a cause and effect world," as financial educator Dave Ramsey puts it.

Also, cementing myself as the student in the present, I'm in the same boat as everyone else. The one of many who are embarking on their own journeys of self-improvement.

Truly though, if I could sit down and have a conversation with my future self, I'd shut up.

His words are worth more than mine. His wisdom comes from my journey, so he knows what I know and more. Why? Because he was me.

Then I think, he's the penpal that will never write back. Glad of your progress. BUT, he already knows of your journey. Because we were him, his potential.

PS I don't remember where I heard this, but humans are the unique beings that can talk or think in terms of past, present and future. Maybe Peterson? Essentially, we can orientate ourselves towards times that transcends our present experience. Whether it's orientated towards a greater future, or stuck in the past of regret.

And if my future self is reading this, I hope I did what had to be done.