You’re a Good Letter-Writer. Now Prove it to Yourself with Small Wins
In ATOMIC HABITS, author James Clear talks about the importance of building an identity-based habit, such as being a good letter-writer (see our previous post).
The next step is to prove this identity to yourself with small wins. Clear recommends doing this by setting up systems (rather than just setting goals) that follow these four laws:
Make it obvious
Make it attractive
Make it easy
Make it satisfying
The first step is to assess your current habit. How often do you write hand-written notes to say thank you, celebrate milestones, or deepen relationships? It’s okay if you don’t do it often – we live in a digital world that is full of distractions. But it’s never too late to start!
Once you’ve done that, you’re ready to hack your letter-writing habit.
The First Law: Make it Obvious
The first law of habit formation is to Make it Obvious. Here are a few ways to do this.
Letter-writing Habit Hack #2: Make an Implementation Intention Statement
An implementation intention statement goes like this: “I will [BEHAVIOR] at [TIME] in [LOCATION].”
Examples:
I will WRITE A THANK YOU NOTE within 1 DAY of receiving a significant act of kindness (e.g. time, money, a gift, hosting a meal) AT MY DESK.
I will SEND A BIRTHDAY CARD within 1 WEEK IN ADVANCE of the birthday AT MY DESK.
I will WRITE A LETTER TO MY GRANDMOTHER on the FIRST OF EVERY MONTH, AFTER BREAKFAST, AT MY DESK.
What is your implementation intention statement?
Letter-Writing Habit Hack #3: Use Habit Stacking
Use habit stacking to make a new habit super obvious, e.g.. “After [CURRENT HABIT], I will [NEW HABIT].”
After making coffee, I will write letters.
Before checking my email, I will write a thank you note.
While I wait in the school pick-up line, I will write a thank you note.
Every time I go to the post office to mail a package, I will also mail a letter.
What are some existing habits you can stack with your letter-writing habit?
Letter-Writing Habit Hack #4: Design Your Environment
Design your environment to make cues of good letter-writing habits visible and obvious. We recommend that you:
Set up a space on your desk for letter-writing.
Have a stash of attractive cards, nice pens, and stamps ready
Keep a list of your closest friends and family members, with their birthdays, children’s names, and snail mail addresses. You can use our template here.
If you’re writing letters on the go, keep a pouch full of cards, pens, and stamps in your bag or car.
How are you designing a positive letter-writing environment?
