How to Get More Done Without Forcing Willpower
Have you ever wondered why some days you’re able to finish a big task, while other days you just can’t get started? For me, the answer is simple: I use rewards as triggers to motivate myself. Let me share how this works in my daily life, and why it might just change the way you approach your own goals.
The Secret Sauce: Reward Yourself
Right now, I’m wrapping up a new feature for my SaaS software. It’s not just any feature—it’s something on the DNS infrastructure for subdomains, and I’m almost done. But here’s the thing: I haven’t eaten yet, and I’m hungry. So, I tell myself, “Finish this, and then you get a nice brunch.” Not just any brunch, but my favorite: a flat white with oat milk and a touch of healthy caramel syrup. That’s my little pleasure for the day.
This isn’t just about food. Every time I finish a task, I give myself a reward. If it’s a bigger project, I set a bigger reward. For example, I might promise myself a new iPhone, but only if I reach my goal of earning €3,000 a month from freelancing, on top of my regular job. No goal, no iPhone. It’s that simple.
Deadlines: The Other Half of the Equation
Rewards are great, but they’re not enough. You need a deadline. Without one, you’ll always find a reason to put things off. “I’ll do it tomorrow… or maybe the day after.” But if you set a clear deadline—say, “I have to finish this in X days”—suddenly, you have a reason to push through.
Sometimes, I even use the closing time of my favorite coffee shop as a deadline. Here in Australia, many coffee houses close around 3 p.m. That means if I want my coffee, I have to finish my work before then. It’s a small thing, but it works.
There’s also something called “time boxing.” I’ll unplug my laptop and tell myself, “Finish before the battery dies.” It’s a way to put your work into a box—a set time frame—and it helps you focus.
Your Environment Matters
Where you work and who you’re around can make a huge difference. When I lived in Sydney, there was a big wine culture—people would relax with a glass of wine after work, just like in France. Now, in my current city, it’s all about coffee. I love working in places that make me feel good, with a nice view of the bay, trees, and open space. When I look out at that view, I feel like anything is possible.
If you surround yourself with people who are working hard, you’ll want to work hard too. If everyone around you is building something, you’ll feel out of place if you’re not doing the same. Your environment and your rewards work together to keep you moving forward.
If you are obsessed with what you want to achieve, you will always find a way to make it happen.
— Anonymous
Everyone Starts Somewhere
It’s easy to think that success is only for people who already have a network or a following. But even if you start from nothing, you can find ways to reach your goals. The key is to set clear deadlines and give yourself rewards along the way.
Even for small tasks, I tell myself, “Finish this, and then you get your coffee.” It’s a simple system, but it keeps me going.
Everything is possible if you really want it. If you believe in your dreams, you will get there.
— Anonymous
Make Your Environment Work For You
If you want to raise funds, being in a place like San Francisco makes it easier—not just because of the money, but because everyone is an entrepreneur. Connections happen faster, and you feel motivated by the energy around you.
So, set up your environment to help you succeed. Make it easy to do the things you want to do. The right environment, combined with rewards and deadlines, can help you stop procrastinating and start achieving.
Key Takeaways
- Set small rewards for finishing tasks, and bigger rewards for bigger goals.
- Always give yourself a clear deadline—otherwise, you’ll keep putting things off.
- Your environment matters. Surround yourself with people and places that motivate you.
- Time boxing (setting a fixed time to finish a task) can help you focus.
- Everyone starts somewhere. Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.
Action Steps
- Pick a task you’ve been putting off. Set a reward for finishing it today.
- Decide on a deadline and stick to it—even if it’s just before your favorite coffee shop closes.
- Find a workspace that makes you feel good and helps you focus.
Reflection
- What small reward would motivate you to finish your next task?
- Is your environment helping or hurting your progress?
- What’s one thing you can do today to move closer to your goal?
Pierre-Henry Soria
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