You need to set more reminders--here's why . . .

The Daily Drip

Yesterday, I mentioned the idea of setting reminders on your smartphone for building thought habits like gratitude.

I want to point out something important and subtle about this suggestion.

Setting up reminders on your phone or recurring events on your Google calendar is you building a system in your life that helps set you up for success.

I don't believe that relying on "willpower" alone will get you through everything--especially if you feel you are weak in this area.

And believe me, I get it, our culture worships the relentless person who never gives up. How many more movies about athletes doing pushups do we have to watch? Our culture has misled us into thinking that pure willpower is the only way to achievement.

Sorry for this disappointing news, but that's just not true.

I am probably iOS reminders' #1 user at this point.

I ask my phone to check in with me on gratitude, on fitness goals, and on professional development.

Stop trying to use this weird, slippery, vague idea that "willpower" is the only way to solve internal problems.

Change the odds of success by putting yourself in situations where you're likely to do better.

Build systems around you that set you up for success, instead.