How to Get More Done Without Forcing Yourself to Work

How to Get More Done Without Forcing Yourself to Work - Photo by Clark Tibbs on Unsplash

Have you ever found yourself dragging your feet on a task, even though you know it’s important? I’ve been there too. Over time, I’ve discovered a simple principle that keeps me moving forward: the power of rewards and triggers.

Let me share how this works for me. Right now, I’m finishing up a feature for my SaaS software. It’s not even a flashy feature—just some behind-the-scenes work on DNS for subdomains. But I’m almost done, and I already know what my reward will be: a good brunch and my favorite oat milk flat white with a touch of healthy caramel syrup. That’s my little pleasure for the day. I haven’t eaten yet, so I’m hungry and motivated to finish quickly.

This isn’t just about food. For bigger projects, I set bigger rewards. For example, I once promised myself I’d only buy the latest iPhone if I reached a goal: earning €3,000 a month from my freelance work, on top of my regular job. If I hit that target, I get the phone. If not, I wait. It’s a simple system, but it gives me a real reason to push through.

Deadlines are just as important. Without them, it’s too easy to say, “I’ll do it tomorrow,” and then tomorrow never comes. But if I set a clear deadline—say, two days from now—I know I have to act. The reward is waiting, but only if I finish on time.

How to Get More Done Without Forcing Yourself to Work - Photo by the blowup on Unsplash

I know people who use this trick in all sorts of ways. Some finish a training session and then treat themselves to a cold beer—especially if they live somewhere hot and humid, like Thailand, where a beer is cheap and refreshing. For me, living in Australia, coffee culture is huge. When I lived in Sydney, it was all about coffee; before that, in other cities, it was more about wine, like in France. Sometimes, just being in a nice place, surrounded by nature and good views, is a reward in itself.

The environment matters more than we think. If you’re in a place where everyone is working hard—like a co-working space in San Francisco, where everyone’s an entrepreneur—it’s hard not to get swept up in that energy. You see everyone focused on their laptops, and you feel like you should be working too. The right environment can push you to do more, just as much as any reward.

Another trick I use is what I call “task boxing.” For example, if I’m working in a coffee shop that closes at 3 p.m., I know I have to finish before then. Or I’ll work until my laptop battery runs out, and when the screen goes black, that’s my signal to stop. By putting my tasks in a “box” with clear limits, I get more done.

All of this boils down to one idea: give yourself a reason to finish. Whether it’s a small treat, a big purchase, or just the satisfaction of being in a place you love, rewards and triggers can make all the difference. And don’t forget the power of your environment—surround yourself with people and places that lift you up.

“If you are obsessed with what you want to achieve, you will always find a way.”
— Anonymous

“Everyone starts at a different level. Some begin with nothing, others have a network. But if you want something badly enough, you’ll find a way.”
— Anonymous

How to Get More Done Without Forcing Yourself to Work - Photo by Jeremy Beck on Unsplash

Key Takeaways

• Set small rewards for finishing tasks, and bigger ones for bigger goals.
• Give yourself clear deadlines to avoid procrastination.
• Use your environment to your advantage—work where you feel inspired.
• Try “task boxing”: limit your work by time or battery life to stay focused.

Action Steps

• Decide on a reward for your next task—big or small.
• Set a deadline and stick to it.
• Find a place that makes you want to work.
• Try boxing your tasks with time or other limits.

Reflection

• What’s one reward that would really motivate you today?
• Is your environment helping you, or holding you back?
• How can you make finishing tasks feel more satisfying?