How putting pen to paper transforms abstract dreams into concrete results
“I’ll remember my goals,” I thought to myself. “Why bother writing them down?” That was five years ago, and like many others who keep their goals in their head, I failed to achieve them.
Not only that, I failed to remember them, and each time I thought about it the goal changed slightly.
Then I learned about Dr. Gail Matthews’ research at Dominican University. Her study found that people who wrote down their goals were 42% more likely to achieve them. That single insight transformed my approach to goal setting, and more importantly, goal achieving.
The power of written goals
What makes written goals different from mental ones? It’s not just about memory – it’s about commitment. When you write something down, you’re sending a signal to your brain: “This matters enough to exist outside my head.” Your brain treats written goals as contracts with yourself.
I discovered this firsthand when training for my first marathon. Every morning, that notebook by my bed showed my weekly mileage targets. Those written numbers weren’t just data – they were promises. On rainy days when motivation waned, those inked figures pulled me out the door.
The psychology behind it
Our brains process written information differently than thoughts. Writing creates a visual anchor your mind can return to, making abstract aims concrete.
Would you trust a verbal agreement for a million-dollar deal? Of course not. You’d get it in writing. Yet we trust our most important life goals to fleeting thoughts and good intentions.
How to do it effectively
Start simple. Take a blank page and write three goals you want to achieve this month. Be specific – instead of “get fit,” write “run 5 miles three times per week.” Add deadlines and numbers where possible.
Keep your written goals visible. I learned this after hiding my goals in a drawer for months. Now, they live on my desk, impossible to ignore. Every morning, those written words remind me of the promises I’ve made to myself.
Your goals deserve more than mental storage. They deserve ink, paper, and the power of written commitment. Because when you write them down, you’re not just recording aspirations – you’re taking the first step toward making them real.
