Jimmy Carr might not seem like your typical source of life advice. He’s a rapid-fire comedian known for roast-level wit and unapologetic punchlines. But he also sneaks in these occasional truth bombs. One of them hit me hard: Prioritise later.

Now, he’s not saying delay making decisions. He’s saying build your life in service of the person you’ll be tomorrow, next week, ten years from now. In other words, act today like you actually care about your future self.

It’s a rule that shows up everywhere if you look for it.

Working out sucks in the moment. It’s sweat, pain, time you’d rather spend lying down. But it’s a thank-you note to your body in five years.

Saving money? It’s boring. It feels like denying yourself for no reason. Until your car breaks down or you want to take that trip and you realize Past You was a total legend.

Parenting? Oh man. It’s hard to say no to the sugary snack or to shut off the screen. You get tears, maybe some shouting. But you’re not raising kids for right now. You’re raising them for later.

And that’s the trick. The one rule that’s easy to forget when you’re tired or frustrated or just want five minutes of quiet. You are not just living for this moment. You’re building for the next one. Every “no” now is a “yes” later. Every little act of self-discipline is a gift, with a time delay.

“Prioritise later” isn’t a joke. It’s the most practical philosophy hiding inside a punchline.

You won't always be able to get this right and that is ok. Just know that anytime you do, your future self is going to thank you.