On Not Quite Random, we often wander through the intersections of the personal and the technical, and today is no different. Let me share with you a little mental model I like to call “Future Brent.” It’s a simple yet powerful approach: every time I have a sliver of free time, I ask, “What can I do right now that will make things a little easier for future Brent?”

It’s built on three pillars. First, optimizing for optionality. That means creating flexibility and space so that future Brent has more choices and less friction. Second, it’s about that 1% improvement each day—like the old adage says, just nudging life forward a tiny bit at a time. And finally, it’s about kindness and compassion for your future self.

Just the other day, I spent 20 minutes clearing out an overcrowded closet. That little investment meant that future mornings were smoother and simpler—future Brent didn’t have to wrestle with a mountain of clothes. And right now, as I chat with you, I’m out on a walk—because a little fresh air is a gift to future Brent’s health and mood.

In the end, this mental model is about blending a bit of personal reflection with a dash of practical action. It’s a reminder that the smallest acts of kindness to ourselves today can create a more flexible, happier, and more empowered tomorrow. So here’s to all of us finding those little 1% opportunities and giving future us a reason to smile.