How do you like to be motivated?

[SwimDeep]

Tell me about how you like to be encouraged to do things you don't really want to do. Whether it's working out, doing household chores, or anything else that you don't particularly like to do, what kind of support do you look for from people to help you get stuff done?


ETA: Poll answers for people on the app

    Gentle, nudging reminders
    Carrot on a stick (food-based rewards)
    Positive cheerleading that focuses on what you're already accomplishing
    Persistent coach who's always pushing you to do more
    Angry, screaming drill sergeants
    Special snowflake

[cuddlyevil]

I like being reminded of the progress I've already made. But I also like rewards based stuff (like "I'll buy that dress when I do ___ for ___" or I can have chocolate if I workout tonight).

Household chores? I just force myself to do them. I always feel better after, even if I grouse the entire time I'm actually doing them.

[tiramisu]

I prefer to be left alone and not encouraged for many things, because I think the way people do them can often seem condescending, sarcastic, or unhelpful. I think sometimes a reminder of the fact that I've been able to do so much already is helpful (reminding me of how far I've come). But if syndrome reminds me too much I shut down and don't want to do it at all until they leave me the fuck alone.

If it's something I keep forgetting that needs to be taken care of, gentle reminders are good, like asking non-judgmentally if it's been done yet.

[neonpink]

Apr 10, 2015 9:04:53 GMT -5 cuddlyevil said:

I like being reminded of the progress I've already made. But I also like rewards based stuff (like "I'll buy that dress when I do ___ for ___" or I can have chocolate if I workout tonight).

Household chores? I just force myself to do them. I always feel better after, even if I grouse the entire time I'm actually doing them.

This is me exactly.

I hate house chores but love how it looks after. 

[SwimDeep]

Apr 10, 2015 9:12:55 GMT -5 tiramisu said:

I prefer to be left alone and not encouraged for many things, because I think the way people do them can often seem condescending, sarcastic, or unhelpful. I think sometimes a reminder of the fact that I've been able to do so much already is helpful (reminding me of how far I've come). But if syndrome reminds me too much I shut down and don't want to do it at all until they leave me the fuck alone.

If it's something I keep forgetting that needs to be taken care of, gentle reminders are good, like asking non-judgmentally if it's been done yet.

This is almost exactly what I'm trying to figure out how to say! I've learned that I really don't like being pushed, and since I'm already good at tearing myself down I really don't respond well to the drill sergeant approach. I used to give myself rewards for accomplishing goals, but I've slipped into a bad habit of instant gratification, so I'm starting to think I need to get away from that.

[partiallysunny]

I's like gentle reminders.

Really, I'm currently food based and trying to change that mindset. Eep!

I do not like "cheerleading". That just seems embarrassing and like I'd use it as an excuse. Because I'm already so fucking awesome, who cares if I fold laundry or have another donut.

[gault]

It depends on what I'm trying to accomplish. I need more "reminders" about certain projects or goals, and just some "yay, go you" for others. Some things you just take more personally and don't want the potentially condescending remarks/reminders (as innocent as they are, sometimes they're just interpreted that way, like tiramisu said above). Weight loss is one of those things for me.

[captainmel]

I am so stubborn that generally if someone tries to get me to do something I get annoyed and don't do it. This is not really mature adult behavior but whatever..

Usually reminding me of good things is the best way to go but I can't promise it will work. I usually need to have internal motivation to do anything.

[mags]

Totally depends on situation. I can say I do not like the cheerleading approach. It seems phony and non relevant
I'm pretty self motivated in most things.