We don’t rise to the level of our challenges; we fall to the level of our preparation.
“Commitment devices” set us up for long-term success: using our bodies and brains in the way they’ve evolved to be used.
We’re wired to save energy. For thousands of years, our brains and bodies have evolved to seek the path of least friction—in other words, we take the easiest route. We’re pretty good at it.
We scroll through Instagram because it’s easier than getting out of bed. Rather than making lunch or prepping our meals, we decide to order out because it’s easier. Sound familiar?
Building good habits is not going to suddenly change overnight. Those kinds of changes don’t stick. Especially if you’re just making these changes when you’re motivated. Instead, we need to leverage our natural human tendencies and most important, stay disciplined.
A commitment device is a choice you make NOW that will control your actions in the future. For example, if you make set a Personal Training appointment, you’re likely to show up at the gym. If you sign up for a class and put it in your calendar, you’re more likely to actually go to the class. And if you prepare your lunches in advance for the week, most likely you will eat them.
Here are two very simple commitment devices you can set up right now:
- Book your workouts in your calendar and set reminders for the week.
You simply won’t be able to tell yourself you don’t have time! You literally just set aside time for yourself when you did this!
- Write down what your lunches or breakfast will be for the week.
To make it easy, either eat the same thing every day OR plan your dinners for the week and carry the leftovers over to the next day’s lunches.
Write up your grocery list.
Go to the store.
Buy the groceries you’ll need for all of your lunches.
Either prep the food or again, put a time in your calendar to make said lunch or breakfast.
You don’t need to get fancy: Most of us eat the same thing most of the time, and that’s just fine. Save your variety for dinner.
Another easy idea for those of us that are busy is simply adding in a protein shake and some fruit. Simple and quick!!
Commitment devices remove friction and the burden of choice. Do your future self a favor: Make commitments in advance! STOP NEGOTIATING WITH YOURSELF!!
If you need some help, reach out, book an Intro and we will help get you on track!