Incentives

Sometimes, I like to think that I’m not like other people.

What a delusion!

I’m just like other people. I pay attention to incentives, just like everyone else. While different incentives are more or less effective with different people, we all respond to them.

In my case, I sometimes care what other people think. When I take a class, I don’t want the teacher to think that I’m lazy or flaky. Especially if I respect this teacher.

I like to attend EVERY SINGLE CLASS that I can! I like to show up on time, and I like to do my best. This behavior is ingrained in my soul.

Why do I mention it?

I’m not taking any classes at the moment. Nobody is expecting me to show up. Nobody is going to call me out as a failure for not doing what I said I would.

I should be swimming at least three times a week. But I don’t have a swim teacher. I don’t face any intolerable consequences for NOT showing up.

And that sucks!

The fact that I want to get in shape should be enough to motivate me. But no! It seems that I need more than just a flimsy desire to be in better shape.

The trick is to recognize what influences you. What incentives matter most to you?

Once you identify them, you might be able to use them to your advantage!