Listen to this episode on the Pgh Dreamer’s Pod.

Unless you are an upholder, someone who can do all the things without external accountability, you likely fall under the obliger category – meaning that without a reason to do something, it is extremely hard to be productive.

For example, you likely meet your deadlines at work to keep your boss at arms length; however, you may have a harder time sticking to a workout routine when no one is watching over your shoulder. Or maybe you can always pay the bills on time since you don’t want to incur fees; but for whatever reason, that promise to yourself to cook at home more never really pans out.

If you are in need of an external accountability buddy, you know I have your back 🙂

But sometimes, all we need is an incentive. A why. A way to motivate yourself if you can see the benefits in completing the goal.

Let me take you back to grade school. Your teacher likely used incentives to motivate your performance on homework and tests. The promise of a pizza party if everyone got a B or above on spelling tests. A movie day if everyone turned in their book report on time.

Play around with these ideas.

Perhaps you like the idea of a sweet treat: If I complete 10 pages of my thesis writing, I will go out for ice cream. If I get the car washed, I’ll make myself a smoothie.

Or you enjoy free time: If I clean the house on Sunday this week, I will spend the evening watching several episodes of my favorite show on Netflix. If I put away the laundry, I can read several chapters of my book.

Others like the idea of extra. If I eat at home more often, I’ll save $50 a week. If I get the grocery shopping done online, I’ll have more time for calling a friend.

And if we want to really adopt a youthful approach, try a sticker chart. If you make it to that exercise class, give yourself a star. Drank enough water for the day? Place a smiley face on the calendar.

Taking a child-like approach to motivation may be exactly what the teacher ordered.