If you want to achieve your personal goals or change a bad habit, you can make a contract with yourself. A self-contract is kind of commitment where you write down what you want to achieve and how to achieve it.
A contract, even one that you make with yourself, is a powerful motivator.
If you have ever signed a contract (e.g., a rental agreement, a contract to buy real estate, or even a gym membership.) you probably went over it to see if it was all acceptable to you before agreeing to it. Then you tried to not to break any of its clauses.
Contracts feel important. They include obligations you actually agreed to. Some have penalties. They include your signature. You have given your word. Most of us will never back out of our promises, especially promises that go into a document.
The act of signing changes our view of an agreement. Your mind will try its best to stick to the contract you signed, even just one with yourself. And, the great thing about a self-contract is that it actually makes life easier for you. You know exactly what to do and how to do it because it is all written in the document.
The following is a simple fill-in -the blank contract you can make with yourself.
If you like it, you can download and print it out for yourself.
Contract
This contract establishes the terms of agreement between _______________ (my name) and myself.
Purpose of the contract:
I agree to attain the following goal or change the following habit: __________________________________________________________
Contract Provisions:
I agree to perform all actions necessary (including at least the following actions) ______________________________________________ for a minimum of ______ (insert number) of (circle one) days / weeks / months commencing on the date of execution of this agreement.
I agree to perform these actions at the following times _____________________ and/or in response to the following triggering events or conditions ______________________________. I expect to perform these actions in the following locations __________________________. Should circumstances prevent the performance of any agreed actions at the time or place expected, I agree to perform the actions when and where possible.
During the term of this agreement, I agree to compensate myself for acceptable performance with the following reward (or a suitable equivalent) _______________________. This compensation (reward) will be considered due and payable either (a.) at regular intervals (circle one) daily / weekly / monthly or (b.) upon reaching the following milestones ______________________________.
In the event I fail to perform the agreed actions, I will resume my performance of the agreed actions for the remaining term of the contract.
Should I be unable to perform the agreed actions for the entire term of this document, I agree to amend this contract with terms agreeable to myself. If I am unable to complete the actions as provided herein, I agree to execute a new agreement with any changes to the provisions necessary to enable me to achieve my purpose.
Signed: __________________________ Date: _______________________
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