Rule #9 super charges every other rule. Simply stated, “if it isn’t in writing, than it doesn’t exist.”  There are numerous reasons why this rule is so critical.
- Measurement or Tracking – once a goal has been established, by tracking your performance against the goal, you can determine if the goal was realistic and the progress you’re making to achieve the goal.
- Accountability – your goals aren’t it writing and you don’t document your performance, it’s easy to rationalize failure. Human beings have a tremendous capacity to survive. Denial is a very powerful survival mechanism. When you’re tracking your results, you can no longer rationalize why you did what you did. You’re forced to be accountable for your actions.
- Commitment – think about it, you never really commit to something that isn’t in writing because there’s usually no proof to what the goal was or what actions were taken.
- Motivation – when goals are put in writing you become obligated to achieve them. Â By documenting your goals, you stimulate action and the act of writing becomes the first step towards achieving that goal.
- Clarity – documenting your performance allows you to think more clearly by identifying what’s working and what isn’t working. When obstacles are documented, the answers or solutions become much clearer.
- Visualization – written documentation also allows you to see the goal
- Compatibility – by writing your goals down, it’s much easier to determine if one goal is compatible with others. This also works when your performance is tracked in writing . If the results aren’t compatible with the goal, the strategy can be modified multiple times or until the goal is achieved.
- Displacement – written goals also displace negative thoughts.  Fear of failure is a powerful motivator and one of the key reasons why people don’t take action. By documenting a goal, you’re forced to confront this fear and overcome it.
What should be in writing:
- your business plan
- your personal life plan (FORBES)
- your performance
- your daily goals
- daily/weekly tracking
- buyer/seller strategies
- relationship management strategies
On a final note, keep in mind that all highly productive 20% activities should be both identified and tracked in writing every day. This can later be used a guide or reference to track your days, month’s, or year’s progress and performance.