What is done through reason should only be undone by reason. Honesty requires the maintenance of a good conclusion until or unless new information appears or better reasoning occurs.
Write down your reasoning. You’ll find that this little step enforces some degree of honesty, as we often allow ourselves to be influenced by hidden desires whose explicit statement causes us sufficient discomfort to provide the necessary motivation to change. Keep what you write down, as it will help you to hold yourself accountable. You can refer back to what you’ve written, which will make it harder to excuse yourself in the moment of trial.
Writing down why you want what you want will help you prioritize competing outcomes, save you from ineffective action, and give you the courage to undertake difficult but worthwhile actions.
Writing down your reasoning will help you answer the question “is it worth it?” You can only answer this question if you know what it will take to obtain what you desire and what it will cost you to obtain it. Only when you see the value of the outcome as greater than the cost will it be worth it.
Writing down the reasons why you desire an outcome will help you avoid tossing away the reasons that persuaded you when inevitable challenges arise. Abundant living requires walking in paths that are hard.
Reason keeps you on the path even when it is hard, because the question is not whether something is difficult but whether it is worth it. Reason is the only tool that can assess worth.
Writing down the reasons you have around the topic you’re considering will free you from anxiety, depression, and unhappiness that will otherwise likely arise in the unfolding of your life. When you are surprised by outcomes, you will be able to intercept harmful, fruitless feelings that come, with a calm confidence that leans on the impartiality and discipline that is only possible when you engage in and continue in appropriate, rational due diligence. You can live in a state where you deeply understand that you can’t control outcomes, but you can control your performance.
Writing down any supporting reasons for the path is also important. If you focus only on the conclusion, you will miss the chance to improve your beliefs when your premises are called into question.
Written reasons also help you rationally evaluate the effects of new information. For example, a desire to lose weight may include as outcomes “so other people find me more attractive” and path-supporting reasons as “healthy eating and exercise have physical and mental health effects beyond weight loss.” Later, you might come to realize that other people finding you attractive is less important to you than eating delicious food whenever you want. However, the other benefits of healthy eating and exercise may outweigh your desire for instant carnal gratification.