How many times did you want to kick yourself for messing up and not doing what you knew had to be done? 

When you realise that if you only changed one simple thing in your life, you could have future-proofed the outcome.

Introducing the Ulysses Contract.

Captain Ulysses had a specific goal. He so desperately wanted to hear the Sirens’ sing.

But, as we learn from Mythology, to hear the Siren’s song means a horrible and gruesome death.

They were dangerous creatures, luring sailors with their enchanting music, and ultimately wrecking their ships on the rocky coast nearby.

Ulysses wasn’t deterred. This was his dream, and he decided he would make it happen.

In Ulysses’ wisdom, he had his men tie him to the mast of the ship. He knew that when hearing the sirens, he would become so full of hysteria, he would not be able to control himself.

To ensure his men’s safety, he put wax in their ears. This way, they were spared from the dangerous, magical enchantresses; and they could not hear Ulysses beg for release.

By doing these two things, Ulysses could both hear the Sirens’ song and keep his men safe from an unfortunate death.  

Long story short: The Ulysses contract is a tool to help you future-proof your life. Ulysses knew that his future self would not be in any position to make positive choices.

In 2021, there are several ways to create a Ulysses contract and achieve your goals.

• Make it public. Tell a friend, colleagues, or the Internet of your plans for success. People will hold you accountable. Social pressure is a strong motivation.
• Need to drink more water? Fill up your water bottle the night before and take it with you.
• Discourage your overspending behaviours by only taking a small amount of money with you when you go out or go gambling.
• Wear ugly underwear when you don’t want your date to go any further than it needs to.
• Keep a notebook or Evernote with you for jotting down ideas.
• Know you need to wake up early? Put a glass of water next to your bed. If drinking the water in the morning won’t get you to jump out of bed, the previous night’s glasses will make sure you are out of bed faster than Usain Bolt!

The bottom line: prevent your future self from being tempted.

We know ourselves. We know what our triggers are.

So, seeing as my discipline with posting my Scribbles was so bad of late, I decided to make my own little Ulysses Contract.

My contract of choice: the Internet. The most glorious tool ever. Using Evernote, I can write my Scribbles using my phone, and posts can be scheduled to go live on specific days.

Yes! We have technology!!! We have the Internet! Use it! 

Don’t let the Sirens in your life cause you to become hysterical and crash your ship. Be a Mermaid and crush those Sirens with your awesomeness. 🍃