We’ve
been talking about deadlines (set by self and others), lately, which don’t work nearly as well for me as
incentives of the external kind. Here are some examples:
San Luis Obispo county (and other state/county entities in California), entice residents to reduce the sizes of their lawns by offering a dollar for each square foot of grass we remove (replaced by a drip system watering drought resistant plants...that's the bargain). When my DH and I realized we'd be recompensed about $6,000 for ripping out our thirsty, unhealthy, not-so-green carpet, we signed up.
The cash for grass program initially prompted our front yard makeover, but we're so pleased with the result, we've quickly taken on the back yard. See the amazing power of incentives? My husband and I have moved into design and demolition with much more confidence and speed than we mustered in the front-scape design. (You can see we're keeping a small patch of grass. Can't help it!)
P. S. I promised you a picture of my giant bird of paradise, taking 10 years to bloom, so here it is, but you have to look look hard at this pic to see the majesty. The black, narrow triangles in the middle of the plant make up the flower...in the closeup, you will see the four white blossoms poking upward (I had to hold a branch aside to give you a full view).
P. S. I promised you a picture of my giant bird of paradise, taking 10 years to bloom, so here it is, but you have to look look hard at this pic to see the majesty. The black, narrow triangles in the middle of the plant make up the flower...in the closeup, you will see the four white blossoms poking upward (I had to hold a branch aside to give you a full view).
What entices an author to write more, and write better? Many of us are galvanized by great reviews, a growing cadre of fans, and the encouragement of colleagues, relatives and friends. Another bonus: getting the nod in a contest. As you know, Bad Lies is a Rone finalist. Watch me work on my 9th and 10th novels with
new verve now that Bad Lies has earned a pretty badge!
Money, food (chocolate!), badges/certificates, avid fans, encouraging colleagues. A vacation, a new outfit, an electronic thingy, a car. Incentives always help to push me to the next level. I build on good results...energized by each success to improve the next project.
What's been your go-to motivator lately? How about coming up with one right now?
What's been your go-to motivator lately? How about coming up with one right now?
Web and Blog:
Facebook page:
Twitter:
Goodreads:
Amazon
