"I need to" vs "I will"

This post is similar to the "want" vs. "would like" post a few months ago.  In other words, you get to hear my rant on self-help philosophy.

I find myself saying this all the time, and perhaps you do to: "I need to [get something done]".

• "I need to write this blog post"
• "I need to call that girl"
• "I need to be productive"

But saying "I need to" often translates into "when I get around to it"--there's no intention or motivation to do these things.

If you find yourself saying "I need to" and it rarely results in getting things done, there's a quick fix. 

If this is something you really must do, and not something you're planning on "putting off" anyway, try this: "I will..."

• "I will write this blog post"
• "I will call that girl"
• "I will be productive"

And to be even more effective, add a time, deadline, or call to action:

• "I will write this blog post today"
• "I will call that girl at 8pm"
• "I will be product now"

If what you need to do is really meaningful to you--meaningful that it gets done--then just changing a few words may change your effectiveness.