You're framing the problem wrong -within these conditions, there are no good solution. There are 3 shortcuts out:
First, realize, that you're inherently time-locked: the current self is the only one on which you have some amount of control (you might put yourself in a situation, where your only way out is to "work hard" -eg. make a bet with a friend to pass that exam, etc- but I found these to be less effective, than the other two).
Second, reframe the problem. Some sample questions you might ask:
Third, "working" for most classes of work, is fundamentally muscles: as you do more, and more, try different ways out, your leverage, and ability to "get stuff done" will improve. So: start with baby steps, then use the positive feedback, and gained experience to improve, and apply it to other aspects of the task.
Hope this helps.
First, realize, that you're inherently time-locked: the current self is the only one on which you have some amount of control
Actually, I have managed to cause short-term changes in productivity to my future self but they tend to slowly wear off. This makes me optimistic that there are self-sustaining solutions.
I don't like doing much work. I would however, like my future self to do work so that my far future self will have better opportunities.
To clarify, I want these things for each specified self:
The problem is, I expect that my future self will feel the same way and also want immediate gratification. What can I do now to achieve all 3 of those goals? How can I manipulate my future self into doing more work without having to do much work right now?