If we think of our future selves as someone we're close to, we'll be more open to doing things for the benefit. People who experience a shared sense of connection with their future selves are more patient in laboratory tasks and report better health. And then therefore doing things that will put you into a better position.
It may sound strange, but if you can learn to treat your future self like someone you really care about, then you'll be more likely to make satisfying, rewarding, and ethical long-term decisions.