Mindset Monday: The "Tomorrow Disease"

You know the feeling. It’s Sunday night, and you’re lying in bed with a full belly from the weekend.

You scroll through social media, inspired by a fitness influencer’s new post.

You tell yourself, “Okay, tomorrow I’m starting my new health plan.

I’ll go to the gym.
I’ll meal prep.
I’ll finally get my mental health in check.
It’s happening!”

Then, Monday comes around.
You wake up late, feel groggy, and before you know it, you’ve convinced yourself that today isn’t the right day to start. “Tomorrow,” you tell yourself again.

And the cycle repeats.

This is the all-too-familiar trap of the ‘tomorrow disease.’

It’s seductive because it gives us the illusion of action while allowing us to stay comfortable in our old patterns. But tomorrow never actually arrives. Every time we delay action, we push the life we want further away from reality.

Falling Prey to the Tomorrow Disease

When we think of procrastination, it’s often associated with work or chores, but it can have devastating effects on our physical and mental health, too.

We say things like, “I’ll start eating better tomorrow,” or “Tomorrow, I’ll meditate and finally deal with my anxiety.” The problem is, tomorrow is always in the future.

It’s a mirage that we chase but never reach.

The more we delay, the more we reinforce the habit of putting off the things that truly matter to our well-being. It becomes easier to justify skipping that workout, eating junk food, or avoiding those tough conversations with ourselves.

And the result?

We remain stuck in a cycle of dissatisfaction, feeling like we’re always falling short but never taking the steps to change.

The tomorrow disease tricks us into believing we have all the time in the world, but in reality, it’s stealing our chance to live a life we’re proud of today.

Why It’s So Destructive

1. Lost Momentum: Every time we push something to tomorrow, we lose the energy and intention we had in the moment. It’s like taking two steps forward and one step back. Eventually, we stop moving altogether.
2. Increased Anxiety: Putting off our mental or physical health doesn’t relieve stress; it adds to it. As time goes by, the weight of our unmet promises builds up, leading to guilt, shame, and anxiety.
3. Perfectionism Paralysis: Waiting for the “perfect” tomorrow is often a way to avoid starting because we’re afraid of doing it imperfectly. We convince ourselves we need the stars to align before we begin, but that day never comes.

Three Deep Introspection Questions to Break the Cycle

To break free from the tomorrow disease, we need to confront the stories we’re telling ourselves. Below are three introspective questions to help you gain clarity and start showing up for yourself today:

1. What are you avoiding by waiting until tomorrow?

Identify the discomfort or fear that’s keeping you stuck. Are you afraid of failure? Change? Discomfort? Acknowledge it, and then ask yourself, “Is avoiding this fear worth sacrificing my well-being?”

1. If tomorrow never comes, how will you feel about the life you’re living today?

This question helps shift your mindset to the present. Imagine looking back at today from a future perspective. Will you be proud of the decisions you made? Will you regret postponing your health, happiness, or personal growth?

1. What’s the smallest thing you can do today to start moving forward?

Often, we think change requires massive effort, but sometimes the smallest actions have the biggest impact. What’s one thing you can do today, right now, that will push you toward your goals? It could be a five-minute walk, one healthy meal, or a few minutes of journaling.

How to Show Up Today and Break Free

Breaking free from the tomorrow disease requires intention, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. The key is to focus on taking small, manageable steps every day instead of waiting for a perfect moment that never comes.

1. Start Small, but Start Now: Whether it’s improving your physical health or your mental well-being, start with one small action. Eat a healthy breakfast, do a 10-minute meditation, or take a short walk. Momentum builds from small beginnings.
2. Forgive Yourself and Move On: If you’ve been stuck in the tomorrow cycle, forgive yourself. The past doesn’t have to dictate your future. Focus on what you can do now instead of what you didn’t do yesterday.
3. Set Clear, Non-Negotiable Daily Goals: Create simple, non-negotiable goals for yourself each day. These should be specific and attainable, like drinking eight glasses of water or spending five minutes practicing gratitude. The act of accomplishing even one small goal will give you a sense of achievement that fuels further action.

Remember, every time you say “tomorrow,” you’re giving up an opportunity to make progress today. Life doesn’t wait.

Don’t let the tomorrow disease steal your chance at a healthier, happier you. Show up today because that’s all you really have.

Reflection Prompt:

Write down three small actions you can take today, no matter how simple they are. Reflect on how taking these steps will help you feel more in control of your health and mental well-being.

Showing up today isn’t about perfection.

It’s about progress, and every small step you take is a victory against the pull of tomorrow.

Until next time
RD Bert