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The Quote That Gets Me Out of Bed

How eight simple words became my daily fuel for living.

By Fazal HadiPublished 5 months ago 3 min read

The Morning I Wanted to Stay in Bed

There was a morning, not too long ago, when I woke up and felt… heavy.

Not the kind of heavy you feel after a big dinner, but the kind that sits quietly in your chest, making every thought sluggish. My alarm was ringing, the sun was peeking through my curtains, and still — I wanted to turn over and vanish into the pillow.

I wasn’t tired. I was unmotivated. Life felt like a loop of “wake, work, repeat.” The thought of doing it all over again seemed exhausting. I stared at the ceiling and tried to find a reason to get up.

That’s when my eyes caught a piece of paper taped to my wardrobe. On it, in messy handwriting from months ago, were eight simple words:

“Do something today your future self will thank you for.”

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Why That Quote Matters

It’s strange how a few words can feel like someone knocking on your soul’s door.

When I first wrote that quote, I didn’t think much of it. I’d stumbled across it online one night, scribbled it down, and taped it up without ceremony. Back then, it was just another nice-sounding phrase.

But that morning, it hit differently.

It felt like those words were aimed right at me — like they knew I was about to waste a perfectly good day hiding from life.

Suddenly, staying in bed wasn’t just a lazy choice — it was a decision my future self would definitely not thank me for.

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The First Step Out of Bed

I didn’t leap out like a movie hero. I shuffled. My feet touched the cold floor, and I grumbled. But I was up.

I made my bed.

I brewed coffee.

I opened my laptop.

And before I realized it, I had written a page of the story I had been putting off for weeks. That one small choice snowballed into a day that felt lighter than it started.

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The Ripple Effect of Small Wins

Here’s the thing about the quote — it’s not about doing something huge every day. It’s about the tiny wins that stack up over time:

• Drinking water instead of another soda.

• Sending a thank-you message to someone who helped you.

• Reading ten pages of a book instead of scrolling endlessly.

• Going for a short walk when you’d rather sit all day.

Each choice might seem small, but future-you will be grateful. And gratitude from your future self? That’s powerful motivation.

I started applying this thinking to almost everything:

If I worked out for ten minutes today, my future self would feel stronger.

If I saved a little money instead of spending it on impulse, my future self would have more security.

If I made that uncomfortable phone call, my future self wouldn’t have to live with the anxiety of putting it off.

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The Days It Saves Me

Some mornings, I still wake up tired. Life still gets messy. Some days, the weight in my chest feels heavier than usual. But now, whenever I feel like skipping my responsibilities or giving in to that “stay in bed” temptation, I ask myself:

“Will my future self thank me for this?”

Most of the time, the answer pushes me to take action. And on the rare days it doesn’t, I’ve learned to forgive myself. After all, rest can be something your future self appreciates, too.

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How You Can Try It

If you’re struggling with motivation, here’s what I suggest:

1. Find Your Quote

– It could be mine, or one that speaks directly to you.

2. Put It Where You’ll See It

– Your phone wallpaper, your mirror, your desk.

3. Use It As a Filter

– Before you make a choice, ask if it’s something future-you will be thankful for.

4. Start Small

– Don’t overwhelm yourself with big leaps. Let small actions build momentum.

This simple habit can change how you see your daily actions.

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My Future Self Is Smiling

That morning, I didn’t just get out of bed — I took the first step toward becoming the person I want to be. Not because I had a perfect plan or endless willpower, but because a few words reminded me that every day counts.

And now, months later, my future self really is thankful.

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Moral of the Story:

Small, intentional actions today can create a future you’ll be proud to live in.

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Thank you for reading...

Regards: Fazal Hadi

goalshealinghow toself helpsuccesshappiness

About the Creator

Fazal Hadi

Hello, I’m Fazal Hadi, a motivational storyteller who writes honest, human stories that inspire growth, hope, and inner strength.

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