Since I found so many of the "50 Scientifically Proven Ways to be Persuasive" by Robert B. Cialdini to be interesting I'm dedicating yet another blog post to one of them. No. 17 to be exact, which is "Writing things down improves commitment." The example was that: Group A was asked to volunteer on AIDS awareness program at local schools, and was asked to commit verbally. Group B was asked for the same kind of volunteer project, but was given a simple form to fill in. 17% of volunteers from Group A actually showed up to their assigned local school. From Group B 49% of volunteers showed up.
This goes to prove part of the whole "SECRET" philosophy for anyone who has read the book. Writing down a commitment or goal helps you commit to it or keep your eye on the prize. Without having something to physically look at it is hard, with everyday thoughts getting in the way to stay focused or better yet, to have a reminder of the things you wanted to do.
I am a firm believer in lists, it helps me to stay focused as well as gives me a checklist of what I'd like to get done. Then again I believe I suffer from ADD and the slightest things can distract me, so writing down what is important keeps my mind going forward rather then drifting off to the next thing.
The take away from this: writing something down is a way of further committing yourself and taking responsibility. Keep lists, make notes on your phone and better yet...if you have employees or children or friends that you are looking for a commitment of a task from, have them write it down. It' one more step to ensure everyone stays honest.
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