Carrot or stick

Listening to a speaker recently, he suggested that we don't just set SMART goals - but also have a reward & a consequence.

This idea resonated with me - and scares me a little.

We had to set a goal to achieve by 2 July.

I going to write a book that I've been putting off for ages.

If I send it to a publisher by then I will buy myself a nice pen. If I don't I will burn a favourite rugby jersey (which I definitely don't want to do). Yes, I am motivated to get the book to the publisher!

If you are serious about your goals, I recommend rewarding yourself & giving yourself a consequence to encourage you to achieve the things you want.

Peanut butter sandwiches

At a meeting recently, a business speaker told this story...

A workman sat down for lunch with his workmates and open his lunch box. "Peanut butter sandwiches again" he announced.

"Why don't you tell your wife you want something different" offered a workmate.

"I make them myself" said the workman.

This story made the room laugh, until the speaker suggested that we are often like the workman who want to change but never make the effort of changing.