Just Write a Letter and Mail it to Yourself

I am always experimenting with new ways to motivate myself.  I am always looking for ways to affect my subconscious patterns that are not productive and re-write the code.  Recently I came up with a technique, which may at first seem absurd but it really works for me.  I actually write a letter to myself  (I mean pen and paper kind of writing), mail it to myself and then read it aloud to myself.  

The idea –  and I am sure I am not the first person to think of it, came to me when I was walking around the house singing a great song by the Northern Pikes called, “Hopes Go Astray”.  The first lines of the first verse are, “Just write a letter and mail it to yourself
Read it out loud but to no one else”.  The lyrics really got me thinking about how powerful that technique could be so I decided to try it.  Since it is meant to be a private act, I won’t bore you with the details of my letter but it was something like this:

Dear Brett,

I really appreciate the efforts you put into making yourself better.  It is nice to see your commitment to meditation and stress management.  I am however, concerned that you are not making progress with _________.  You are better than that.  I write this letter because I care enough about you to share my feelings.  Please try to put more attention on this part of your life which both you and I know, needs to change.  

Stay in touch,

Love Brett

I know, I know… it seems ridiculous but you know something, it really works.  I put the letter up where I can see it and I look at it everyday.  I am committing to a letter a week for 6 weeks.  Let’s face it, while you can lie to your friends and family, you can’t really lie to yourself – at least you can’t believe your own lies!  

BTW, if you are unfamiliar with the music of the Northern Pikes, check them out!  There were a big part of the Canadian Music Scene in the 90’s.  Here is the link to “Hopes Go Astray”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NF_WOgFQFCI

I think the Pikes are some of the best song writers.  Also look into: She ain’t pretty, Christ, Girl with a Problem, Echo off the Beach

Brett