HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done (HBR Guide Series)

Chapter 14

Reward Yourself for Doing Dreaded Tasks

by Alexandra Samuel

For some of us, checking off each item on our to-do lists provides the endorphin rush we need to make task completion an intrinsic joy. But most of us need a little extra motivation, especially for boring work like recording billable hours, uncomfortable tasks like facing awkward conversations with dissatisfied clients, or major projects like writing a complex case study. Setting up a compelling reward system can help you power through your to-dos. Here are some types of rewards to consider:

Regenerative

By rewarding yourself in a way that recharges your body and brain, you’ll give yourself more energy to tackle your next task or project. Use these brief rewards midmorning, ...