Appropriate rewards

A good way to encourage yourself to be productive is by promising yourself little rewards now and then.

Rewards are little bits of enjoyment. They help you keep going during the day (and sometimes into the night).

Examples

For example, if you meet all of your Friday deadlines, then allow yourself to go out with friends on Friday night. If you finish a report early, then treat yourself to a cup of gourmet coffee.

Rewards fall into three categories:

• Food (e.g. donuts, ice cream, coffee, snacks)
• Objects (e.g. a new skirt, a newspaper)
• Non-material (e.g. time with your buddies, a walk on the beach, a few moments to surf the web)

Non-material rewards are preferable whenever possible, though food and object rewards are sometimes needed.

Use good judgment

Choose rewards appropriately, though. Finishing a one-page report may not be enough work to justify driving to Las Vegas or buying an expensive new suit.

Be careful not to use this technique to make excuses to splurge on expensive purchases or trips.