Use Your Friends

I almost forgot to write today.

Today wasn’t a standard day in any shape or form. The details are boring, but things didn’t go as usually planned. Without my usual pattern, I forgot some of my habits. I was about to go to bed today without writing because I thought, “Who cares anyway?” Turns out someone does.

However, I remembered I had an agreement with Max Holzheu. We would both write a blog post each day for 50 days. I knew that he was keeping me accountable and that I would have to answer to someone. So literally I turned around two minutes ago and sat back down.

I had never believed in the power of getting into something with a friend to keep you accountable. Up until today, I thought those were lame excuses for those who didn’t really want things and who were just unwilling to show a little discipline. I was wrong.

I’m writing because I know writing will benefit me greatly in the long run. The sheer exercise of having to put thoughts to my words makes my thinking process much clearer. (Tangent: A few days ago I was walking through a flea market in Madrid and getting bored. I wasn’t present at all, so I decided to play a game. Everything I saw I had to give a name. I realized I wasn’t as quick as I thought. I also had to put effort into differentiating different types of clothes. I even learned a few new names. Needless to say, I was much more involved and I learned much more.) So I know that, even if some days all I write is crap, the mere fact of making a habit out of labeling my thoughts properly will make it closer to second nature. So I’m aware that’s it’s good and I’m interested in writing.

Even so, somedays part of me thinks it’s not that important. Sometimes that part of me is making the decisions. But today, because I knew I promised someone I would write, I couldn’t listen to it. I was forced to keep my habit.

So if I can share anything I’ve learned today, is that finding someone to keep you accountable works. If you want something because you know it’s good for you and you’re not in a position to lose a lot if you don’t follow through (I won’t stop eating if I don’t write), then getting into it with a friend is another great strategy to keep you committed.

Thanks man. Un abrazo.