Think about how people elevate their game when there's a contract involved.
A lease makes you a more responsible tenant. An employment contract raises your professional standards. A service contract holds you accountable to getting it done.
Something about putting it in writing makes it real and provides confidence in the outcome. That got me thinking - why not apply this same principle to personal growth?
So years ago I decided to write a "contract with myself" - a list of non-negotiables for how I want to live my life. It's been transformative in guiding my daily actions. Here it is:
- I'm going to thank God first thing in the morning
- I'm going to show appreciation for having this day
- I'm going to be the best version of me that I can be
- I'm going to try hard at whatever it is I do
- I'm going to be present and patient
- I'm going to be a teacher to my kids
- I'm going to be a good father, brother, and friend
- I'm going to be giving to my wife
I've signed hundreds of business contracts in my life - agreements for speaking engagements, book deals, company acquisitions. But this might be the most important contract I've ever made. It's one thing to make promises to others; it's another to make them to yourself.
