From “Future Jason’s Problem” to “Future Jason’s Benefit”

How Reframing My Inner Dialogue Changed My Life—and Can Change Yours Too

There was a time in my life when I would brush things off with a casual, slightly self-deprecating phrase:

“That’s future Jason’s problem.”

It was a way of coping, avoiding, and joking all at once. Whether it was a tough conversation I didn’t want to have, a responsibility I kept pushing off, or even a habit I knew I should change, I’d punt it forward—like I could somehow outsource my burdens to the “me” of tomorrow.

But I’ve been working on a different posture lately. One that is more faithful, more mature, and more healing:

“That’s future Jason’s benefit.”

This shift didn’t happen overnight. It came through experience, reflection, and—surprisingly—a climbing book.

The Selves: A Climber’s Wisdom and a Spiritual Mirror

I’m currently reading Me, Myself & I: The Wall Solo Manual by Andy Kirkpatrick.

While the book is framed around solo climbing, its insight into the human condition runs much deeper. On page 46, Andy writes about “The Selves”—a mental model where your past, present, and future selves are a team. They’re not enemies. They’re not separate. They’re interconnected and deeply influential on one another.

He writes:

“Each affects the other, and each owes allegiance to their other selves. In the same way that a climbing team is formed of several individuals (and their relationships and support for one another), the same applies to yourselves.”

That hit me. Hard.

What if I stopped treating future Jason like a stranger? Or worse—like someone I didn’t even care about?

What if I actually loved future Jason?

What if, instead of throwing problems at him like he was some cosmic janitor cleaning up today’s mess, I laid groundwork, made life easier, and gave him gifts to enjoy?

Biblical Parallels: Stewardship, Love, and the Image of God

In Scripture, we’re called to steward our lives well (1 Peter 4:10), to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31), and to live wisely, not thoughtlessly (Ephesians 5:15-17). But here’s the catch: sometimes our nearest “neighbor” is our future self.

If I truly believe that I’m made in the image of God—past Jason, present Jason, and future Jason—then treating any of those versions carelessly is a kind of self-betrayal. It’s not just a time management issue. It’s a spiritual one.

Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” I used to focus on the “neighbor” part. Now, I’m focusing on the “yourself” part—especially the self I’ll become tomorrow, next week, or ten years from now.

Faith Meets Function: Building a Relationship With Your Future Self

Andy Kirkpatrick gives practical examples in climbing: picking snacks not for immediate gratification, but as a kind act toward your future self on the wall. Strategizing gear placements not just to survive the moment, but to benefit the climber you’ll be fifty feet higher, facing new challenges.

In life, it’s the same.

I work through my feelings now because I want future Jason to understand today’s pain.

I apologize now so future Jason isn’t weighed down by shame.

I go to therapy, not because I enjoy the discomfort—but because I want to gift future Jason a lighter soul.

Grace in the Growth

Of course, I don’t do this perfectly. Some days, I still shrug off responsibilities. Some days, I still leave dishes in the sink, emotional messes unattended, conversations unspoken.

But perfection isn’t the goal. Partnership is.

I want to partner with the person I’m becoming. I want to love him in advance. I want to bless him with the fruits of today's obedience.

And I want to invite you into that same journey.

Your Turn: What Would Loving Your Future Self Look Like?

Take a moment. Think about the version of you who wakes up tomorrow. Or the one showing up at church next Sunday. Or the one who will look back at this season five years from now.

What does that version of you need today?

A boundary you’re scared to set?

A conversation you’ve been avoiding?

A habit you need to form or break?

Maybe, like me, you’ve been saying, “That’s future me’s problem.”

But what if instead, today is the day you start saying,

“That’s future me’s benefit.”

Closing Thought: A Faith-Filled Team Effort

At Mindful Faith Ministries, we talk often about integrating mental wellness with spiritual truth. This concept of “The Selves” may sound psychological, but it’s deeply theological. We are people in progress. We are “being transformed” (2 Corinthians 3:18). And transformation means caring about who you are becoming.

You, past and present and future, are known by God. And maybe, it’s time you started truly knowing—and caring for—the future you too.