[Nice article from one of my mails. ]
You know the phrase, “get it in writing”? That’s what we say when we want to make sure that our expectations will be met when buying a service or an expensive item or appliance, or getting something repaired or installed. A contract, in other words, that guarantees that both parties to an agreement will give and receive satisfaction.
Well, how about a contract with yourself? Making your own contract is a great way to help you with any changes you want to make in your life or goals you want to achieve. We all know how easy it is to procrastinate about just about anything. And it’s so tempting to put off making any major changes to our lives by saying, “It’s not the right time,” or “I need to think about that some more.”
No matter what change you want to make or what goal you want to reach, by putting it in writing, you’re giving your intention more psychological power. You’re signaling your subconscious that you are truly serious, which will help keep you motivated and on track. So once you’ve decided, sit down with pen and paper and write down your long-term goal at the top. Then draw lines down the paper so you have three columns, but leave some space at the bottom of the page.
Take some time to think about all the necessary steps you need to take to accomplish your long-term goal. Each of these steps becomes a short-term goal. Write and number these steps in a column on the left-hand side of the paper. The middle column will be your time schedule. Write in the date you will accomplish each short-term goal it could be weekly or monthly, depending on the activity and the time involved in completing it. And in the third column you will write a small “reward” you’ll give yourself for accomplishing each short-term goal. It could be something like going to the movies or some other special treat.
At the bottom of the page, write the benefits of achieving your long-term goal, and the reasons why it is important to you. Then, sign your name at the bottom and add the date of your “contract.” Then, you can consult your contract each step of the way, and check off each short-term goal as you achieve it, and claim the “reward” you’ve given yourself. This helps keep you motivated while working toward your goal.
So, put it in writing, and you’ll be on the way to making your dreams come true!