Last week I heard a client criticising their younger self—really coming down on the way they had handled a situation and expressing such disappointment in themselves.

Do you ever catch yourself doing the same?

A famous actor once said:

“The problem with getting older is that you have to live with the consequences of the younger self. You either reap the rewards or suffer their poor decisions.”

It’s true. But here at HappyMe, I always aim to share lessons that help you train your brain to be your best friend—so that your older self can look back with pride, gratitude, and respect for the choices you’re making today.

Teaching the Younger Self


When I work with teens, we often do exercises where they project their choices into the future.

Many say studying is a waste of time. But when I guide them to imagine their 18- or 19-year-old self retaking exams or being blocked from a college they dreamed of attending, it really shifts their perspective. Suddenly, the “younger self” becomes accountable to the “older self.”

This is a powerful lesson for all of us.

Checking In With Your Older Self

Twice a year, I like to pause and assess:

  • What am I doing right now that will impact my older self?
  • How am I using my time and energy?
  • Am I carving out a path that my older self will thank me for?

For example, imagine you have a young family and want to provide them with material things you didn’t have. You may pour most of your energy into work, gaining self-worth from achievement and productivity.

But if only 20% of your time goes into family life, how might your older self feel later? Perhaps distant, disconnected, or even like an outsider in your own family’s story.

A Practical Way to Look at Time

There are 168 hours in a week.

If you sleep for 50 of them, that leaves 118.

Say you work 45 hours, that still leaves 73 hours to share among the people, projects, and passions that matter most.

It’s worth asking: where are those hours really going? And what will your older self think about the balance you chose?

Forgiving the Younger You

Here’s the truth: your younger self did the best they could with the tools they had at the time.

They didn’t have the wisdom, resources, or perspective you carry now. Criticising them isn’t fair. They helped you get here.

So instead of condemnation, offer forgiveness. Send them love.

And remember: the decisions you’re making today are carving the path for the future you.

A Question Worth Asking

What would your 80-year-old self be deeply grateful for you doing right now?

It’s a powerful question to sit with.

By using HappyMe daily, you’ll find tools, prompts, and reminders to keep you aligned with your best self, not just for today, but for the years ahead.

Download HappyMe today and commit to making your future a great place to be.