Self-Motivation: Here’s what WE do!

This week we were curious to know what strategies Springer staff might use in their own lives to motivate themselves through dull or unpleasant tasks.

For some, knowing a reward awaits is enough motivation to get started:

After I unload the dishwasher, I treat myself to a little something I enjoy: seltzer, ice cream or coffee! ~Mrs. Tolbert

I hate working out! I motivate myself with thinking about the nice hot shower afterward. ~Ms. Carter-Harris

When don't want to wait until after the task to get your reward, try a strategy called task pairing. With task pairing, you match your dreaded chore with a fun or enjoyable activity. Maybe you’ve tried it before.

Here’s how some of us at Springer use the strategy:

I listen to something while I fold laundry. I listen to a podcast or story—like a murder mystery audiobook! ~Ms. Goheen

I don’t enjoy getting myself ready and putting makeup on early in the morning, but on the days when I have to, I listen to my Apple music! ~Ms. Townsend

I save a show I really like for when I have to do things I don’t like and I can only watch it then! ~Mrs. Smith

When cleaning, I listen to a podcast or music I enjoy and it makes it more bearable. ~Ms. Stevens

When I have a project or book that requires sustained attention, I go to Panera. That way I can enjoy beverage refills, a pleasant atmosphere, and none of the typical distractions that await me at home. ~Mrs. Wise

Whenever I do mundane tasks, like organizing, I listen to books on tape or download books from the library. ~Ms. Zanos

As I drive my kids to school in the mornings, we tell jokes to lighten the mood when needed. ~Mr. Roehrig

I like doing laundry, but I hate putting it away, so I listen to 90’s music to make it more enjoyable instead of doing it in silence. ~Mrs. Gallant

I start watching football while I do laundry, that way when it’s halftime, my first load is usually complete. It has a natural timing! ~Mr. Cerna

I motivate myself to do chores by listening to music! And, I allow myself plenty of small breaks in between. ~Ms. Sankner

I like to run with friends to talk and catch up. So, I’m socializing AND exercising. It doesn’t hurt as much and sometimes you forget you’re running! Time passes fast! ~Mrs. Mendoza

Task pairing is just one of the ways to address motivation. For more, check out What’s My Motivation? (No, Seriously, I need to Get Started) at ADDitude.com.

We also recommend this YouTube video in which Jessica McCabe describes How to Not NEED as Much Motivation to do the Thing.