Neuroscientist shares her psychology-backed strategy for achieving big goals: 'All sorts of people' should try it
Successful people ranging from Bruce Lee to Octavia Butler have detailed their goals on paper. Here's how to get the most from a letter to yourself, from a neuroscientist.
TL;DR
- Writing detailed goals in a letter to oneself improves the chances of achieving them.
- The 'generation effect' states that self-generated ideas are more likely to be stored in long-term memory.
- This practice can instill self-belief and motivation.
- Neuroscientist Erin Clabough recommends five questions to guide goal-setting in letters to oneself.
- The exercise is most effective with open-ended intentions and self-compassion.
- Writing letters to oneself is a useful tool for all individuals, regardless of their background.