C - Commitment by Contract

      One of the best ways to make a real commitment to do something
is to sign a formal contract with another person.   Such a contract
should require you to put up something of value as "honest money."
Such contracts have become popular in self-improvement clinics such
as weight-loss or stop-smoking programs.  The evidence is clear that
people who put up some money that will be refunded if they fulfill
their signed contract to attend the meetings are much more likely to
complete the program and to attain their goals.

      There may be occasions when making up your own contract can be
helpful.  For example, suppose you frequently fail to get up in time
to make an early morning class.   You can put money in an  envelope
addressed to some charity, and write on the back of the envelope the
commitment that it should be mailed if you miss another class.  Sign
the commitment and give it to the professor, with the understanding
that you get it back if you attend every class.  You will find that
when your good intentions are not enough, a contract will help.