Sometimes you don’t realize how useful something can be until you happen to do it. For example: have you ever thought about how useful it is to make lists? We often give you suggestions in the form of lists: they are easier to remember, they are organized, and you can put them into practice more effectively.
But the benefit of making a list-or more simply writing down on paper or on the computer what your goals are-is proven.
There are shopping lists, to-do lists, object lists, name lists. What we are interested in now are the lists of commitments you make to yourself.
You cannot make a commitment by saying it only verbally because-it is unbelievable but true-only the written word truly commits you.
I’ll tell you a little secret: I always try to take the stairs, but if I find the elevator on the floor, I’ll take that. It is out of sheer laziness. It wasn’t until I wrote this, suggesting to you and to all RunLovers readers that I really started to take the stairs, all the time. When I arrived in front of the elevator, I thought, “You wrote to take the stairs: you cannot betray your word.” It was as if those I had told looked at me like stern teachers shaking their heads. Okay, let’s take the stairs.
Why is it necessary to write down things to do?
1. Writing focuses your attention and allows you to concentrate only on the important things.
2. Writing gives you direction because you establish outcomes you want to achieve. They can be simple (taking the stairs, always) or much more complex (running a marathon)
3. Writing drains memory. Your brain is like your computer’s RAM: every now and then it needs to be drained. The clarity of thought that writing lists or even jotting down memories gives you is precisely because it frees up memory.
4. Writing engages you. By writing down what you want/need to do to get better you sign a contract: first with yourself and then, if you make the list public, with those who read you. If you share it on social or post it on your blog you elect your friends/followers/readers to the rank of notaries. You no longer made the commitment not only to yourself but to all of them. Just as I by suggesting to always do stairs (and writing it down) made a commitment to those who read me to always do them. And I’ve been doing them ever since.
How to make a list
We’re talking about the “Better Myself” list, not the shopping list ;) and we’re referring to physical fitness (but these lists also work for how we are, how we relate to others, what desires we have, etc.).
- Analyze what you don’t like about your life (I would like to run more, I would like to stop using the car, I would like to eat less, etc.) and write it down
- Next to the things you don’t like write down how you could improve them: by exercising more, using your bike, walking when you can (always)
- Rearrange the list and introduce it with “In the coming months I am committed to:”
- Share it where it pleases you most (social, blog, at the bar)
- In the months to come reread it. Maybe keep it in your wallet or among the notes on your cell phone or on a post-it note attached to your computer: one day your eye will fall there and you will take stock.
Remember that you have made a commitment to other people: it is essential that you make promises not only to yourself because we are relentless judges of ourselves but we can also be very forgiving. But if you’ve told hundreds of people, you won’t take it lightly, guaranteed.
Write in the comments below what commitments you make (or on Facebook, also in the comments): they will stay written down and you can check them whenever you want. Are you making it? Have you kept your promises? Do you still need to improve?
Do one thing for yourself that will make you better: write a list of important things to do and sign it in front of everyone.
It works, guaranteed by RunLovers :)
(Photo credits Negative Space)