Major consequences for failure seem to be very effective motivators, but since I want to undertake projects that are difficult enough to have a significant chance of failure, I would like these consequences to be highly motivating without being horribly costly, if possible. Ideas?
Hmmm. You don’t mention major consequences of success as motivators. Is this simply an instance of status-quo bias, or something more interesting? Is it possible you should be setting your sights higher and attempting more ambitious projects with a high up-side? Graduate or professional school, say?
Yeah, good observation. I think I don’t emotionally reward myself for success enough; not sure the best way to fix this. Doesn’t change the fact that, given that punishment for failure is a motivator (and it is), it’s best to punish myself in highly motivating but not highly costly ways.
Hmmm. You don’t mention major consequences of success as motivators. Is this simply an instance of status-quo bias, or something more interesting? Is it possible you should be setting your sights higher and attempting more ambitious projects with a high up-side? Graduate or professional school, say?
Yeah, good observation. I think I don’t emotionally reward myself for success enough; not sure the best way to fix this. Doesn’t change the fact that, given that punishment for failure is a motivator (and it is), it’s best to punish myself in highly motivating but not highly costly ways.