The Carrot That Makes You Jump Through Hoops
One of my best friends is blessed with skinny genes. At 5′ 3″ tall, she weighs all of 105 pounds. When we go out to eat, she doesn’t just order a glass of iced tea and salad with dressing on the side. She goes all out with mash potatoes, creamed spinach, BBQ oysters and then a nice juicy ribeye for a main course! I gawk in amazement at her appetite while secretly groaning at trying to keep up towards the end. After all, shouldn’t she eat 40% less than me if she weighs 40% less? Guess not!
Despite my friend’s envious genetics, she isn’t exactly iron woman when it comes to sports and outdoor activities. After three miles on a 10 mile bike ride, she’s pooped and waves at me to take a break. Meanwhile, I’m going “lah, lah, lah” in my head, not even breaking a sweat as I soak in the glorious views of the Bay. I let her catch up and we take a five minute pit-stop where she catches her breath as I go do some stretches and sit-ups.
THE GIMMICK
One day my friend tells me about a great incentive program at our local gym. I kid her often because despite her $100/month membership, she never goes. She comes up to show me a gleaming new card which says, “BURN TO EARN!” Hmmm, what’s that I ask her? She tells me that if she goes to the gym 20X in the next two months, she will be entered for a chance to win a free t-shirt, socks, swimming goggles, a weekend in Napa, or two rounds of golf which she does not play at some country club somewhere.
Suddenly, I notice a transformation. From going maybe once a month, my friend starts going 3-4X a week! All for what? A chance to win a simple T-shirt? Needless to say, after two months, she was absolutely ripped. We’re talking Madonna-like abs, and thankfully not Modonna-like arms, because that’s just scary. When the time for the drawing came, she gleefully whipped out her BURN TO EARN card and gave it one good luck kiss.
As fortune would have it she won absolutely diddily squat in the first round. Luckily, there was a consolidation round and there she heard, “And the winner of a brand new pair of tubular socks is….. Lisa!“ A shrill of joy belched out of her little frame as she jumped up and down “I won! I won! Wheeee!“ I think I rolled my eyes because I didn’t win anything and couldn’t believe her luck. New tubular socks. Sweet!
CONCLUSION
By just administering a small rewards program, our health club was able to get a notoriously great client (one who pays on time and never goes) the motivation to go 15X more than normal. I go 10X+ a month anyway, so it wasn’t a big deal. But for Lisa, it was like watching a new person altogether. The lesson learned is that the next time you want to get someone to do anything, tempt them with cotton that warms the feet!
Regards,
Sam @ Financial Samurai – “Slicing Through Money’s Mysteries”
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Wow. Bribes, I mean incentives, always motivate people. I use this strategy to get my students to work, stay on task, and clean up their desks. Candy (bite-size of course) usually does the trick in their case. Maybe I should give away tube socks instead. ;)
Little House´s last blog ..Tuesday Tips, Week 14
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youngandthrifty Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
hmm yeah, giving students toothbrushes or floss probably won’t have the same appeal! haha =)
youngandthrifty´s last blog ..Top 10 Tips For Avoiding Travel Trauma & Saving Money
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admin Reply:
June 19th, 2010 at 6:38 am
What about scratch n sniff stickers though??!! Loved those growing up!
admin´s last blog ..Is Becoming A Millionaire The Rule Rather Than The Exception?
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DIY Investor Reply:
June 25th, 2010 at 3:36 am
I liked the bribes/incentives statement. One time I was getting rid of a number of algebra workbooks at a yard sale and a grandmotherly type was spending some time leafing through one of them. We chatted a bit and she wondered whether the workbook would be good for her grandchild who was having problems in Algebra because he hated to do the homework.
I told her the book was excellent and maybe she should think of having him do a couple of problems out of the book the next time he wanted a ride to the mall to be with his friends.
She got in a bit of huff and said she would never bribe her grandchild that way.
I guess one person’s incentives is another person’s bribe.
DIY Investor´s last blog ..Timing the market
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That is a great story. So was the gym a lot busier during the promotion? (In other words, did many people get motivated by this little program?) I wonder if your friend will continue on and her new habit will truly stick.
Its funny because I always equated thin with being ‘fit’, but that is not always the case. Endurance comes in all shapes and sizes I think.
Everyday Tips´s last blog ..Life Lessons Are Everywhere – Keep Your Eyes Open So You Don’t Miss Them
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admin Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 5:56 am
Yeah, the gym was tons more busy to the regular’s dismay. I thought she was the perfect client though, paying on time and never going.
But, I guess there’s a lot of excess capacity, and with working out, perhaps there’s more consumption on her part (Gatorade, food, etc).
She looks fit for sure! Endurance is a curious thing.
admin´s last blog ..Is Becoming A Millionaire The Rule Rather Than The Exception?
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I guessing it was the weekend in Napa Valley and not the t-shirt. Either way, some people are teetering near the edge of a decision and they just need one small excuse to go through with it. People are not rational critters.
She sounds a lot like me – being a “hard gainer”. Hopefully, the results she got in such a short time will help her keep it up. I’ve certainly fallen off the edge, but for my scary good results, not for tube socks.
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admin Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 5:57 am
Yeah, she KNOWS she should go utilize the club more often since it costs her $100/month, but she still doesn’t go. Shes reverted back to not going now, which is a shame. It’s fun to go together and hang out. Lots of cool people to meet. Oh well. Perhaps I’ll offer her my own reward.
admin´s last blog ..Only The Poor or Super Rich Say, “Money Can’t Buy Happiness”
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the next time you want to get someone to do anything, tempt them with cotton that warms the feet!
Incentives change behavior. There’s no question about it.
The mistake that people make is to be too crass about it. They think it has to be cash. What people want most is strokes. Strokes incentivize more than anything else.
But even the strokes have to be sincere. If it is baloney you are offering, people will catch on. Then they will be incentivized to do the opposite of what you want just to show you. You’re playing with emotions when engaged in this sort of thing and emotions are powerful but also dangerous stuff.
Rob
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Larry Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 9:54 am
Strokes don’t pay the bills. I’ll take the cash. :)
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admin Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 5:58 am
What exactly are “strokes”? Things other than money, a stroke from a cane? Just wanted to clarify. Thnx.
admin´s last blog ..Oops! The World Is Coming To An End!
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Rob Bennett Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 6:09 am
It matters more to an employee that his boss understands the work he does and
praises him when he does well and helps when he is under challenge than
it does how much he earns. He has to be paid a reasonable wage, of course. But
most care more about the intangibles. It really steams people when their boss
does not even understand the basics of the work being done and they will go to
a lot of trouble to find a different job in those circumstances (many will accept
being paid a little less than what they view as proper if they respect their boss).
Many companies try to fake the incentive stuff. They either give cash, which has
less influence on employee behavior than strokes, or they give insincere strokes,
which often has the opposite of the intended effect. Companies have to be willing
to put in bosses capable of providing the proper strokes. That of course takes
more money than what it would take to hand out a few bonuses. So incentives
programs often fail.
The concept is strong. The real-world implementation often leaves a lot to be
desired. People try to go with quick and easy approaches which can do more harm
than good.
Rob
Rob Bennett´s last blog ..The Future of Investing & Seven Other Guest Blog Entries re Valuation-Informed Indexing
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Larry Reply:
June 18th, 2010 at 4:01 am
RB writes: “It matters more to an employee that his boss understands the work he does and praises him when he does well and helps when he is under challenge than
it does how much he earns.”
I’ve heard this idea expressed before, and I wonder what evidence there is for it. My totally personal reaction is that this is something I’d expect managers to want to believe, because it lets them feel good about paying workers less than what they’re worth, but I’d like to know if it is based on any survey of actual employee reactions.
admin Reply:
June 19th, 2010 at 6:38 am
I agree.. it’s got a lot to do with appreciation of work, recognition.
Without incentives why would we attempt new ventures? Why start a business if you don’t enjoy the activity and could care less about making money? Why lift weights without the incentive of feeling better and attracting the opposite sex. Recently, I have been “forced” to learn to dance salsa, kumbia, and merengue. At times I get disgusted and swear I’m done with it, but the rewards (having fun and beautiful women) make it worthwhile…
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admin Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 5:59 am
Nice! Learning something to meet beautiful women is always a good carrot! I have to admit it’s part of the reason why I took up guitar!
admin´s last blog ..Only The Poor or Super Rich Say, “Money Can’t Buy Happiness”
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Really thought provoking. People I know are crazy afraid of running out of money so the “reward” they seek is safety — and they give up lots of life and serenity for it.
You know how many people I’ve met who run out of money?
ZERO
Things mostly work out and running around in fear is a complete waste. The “reward” they wanted and paid so dearly for…they already had it.
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nice story. I too work with a woman who has the WORST eating habits… Breakfast: Cheezits and Oreos. Lunch: Burger King, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, or Chic-fil-A. And wouldn’t you know it? She is skinny as can be. I watch my weight, and go to the gym during my lunch hour 4 days a week, and I just barley maintaining!AHHH!!!
Sounds like this gym truly wanted to help their members get into better shape, which I think is awesome. This kind of experience probably would not attract too many new members, perhaps they were trying to show their current members the perks of a healthy lifestyle? Either way, it was an awesome story!
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admin Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 6:00 am
I’m just jealous, cuz I want to stuff my face with unhealthy food too, but then I’d blow up. Lucky friend!
Maybe the club really does want to help others get in better shape!
admin´s last blog ..Oops! The World Is Coming To An End!
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This whole area of motivation is so interesting to me. For the last 9 months, I have been using “rewards” to motivate MYSELF to do undesirable tasks. It often works phenomenally.
Roshawn @ Watson Inc´s last blog ..Yakezie Round Up & Uncommon Money News (Vol. 98)
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admin Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 6:01 am
It’s great you are able to reward yourself Roshawn. I find it quite different… it’s like massage your own arm or head, it doesn’t feel as good as if someone else does it
admin´s last blog ..Who Needs A Job When You Have A Private School Degree
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I use accountability to provide self motivation. The fear of having to answer to The Wife, to Buddies, to my blog really keeps me on track (maybe that isn’t good enough in the long run). I have found it is the only way to get me to do anything!
Evan´s last blog ..How Does this Quote from The Fountainhead Make you Feel?
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admin Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 6:02 am
Accountability is good… what’s next up on the list of things to be accountable for?
admin´s last blog ..Oops! The World Is Coming To An End!
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ha, nice. Great post! I’m a total sucker for rewards programs myself. I utilize frequent diner cards for lunches a lot – even though it takes around 8-10 paid meals to get a reward, I love handing in a completed card and getting a free lunch!
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Sam,
Is your friend from SE Asia by any chance?
Reason being that in many cultures having FUN is a big motivator, this is certainly true in Thailand. I’ve found out that people would much prefer fun and a small reward over something stressful & too serious with a chance of a bigger reward.
From the story about your friend it sounds like she had a lot of fun in the process along with the incentive. Conversely maybe the bike ride wasn’t fun for her, though it sounded good for you.
Different strokes for different folks right?
-Mike
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admin Reply:
June 19th, 2010 at 6:40 am
Nope, not SE Asian. Grew up in America. Different strokes indeed. She had a ton of fun in the process and is a sucker for free things. Yes, I have a feeling that riding a bike isn’t the most fun b/c she doesn’t like to sweat!
admin´s last blog ..Only The Poor or Super Rich Say, “Money Can’t Buy Happiness”
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Mike Hunt Reply:
June 20th, 2010 at 1:36 am
Wait a minute. She doesn’t like to sweat but goes to the gym 3-4X a week? Huh?
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admin Reply:
June 20th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Mike – B/c of the carrot mate….. the lure of the prize made her go 3-4X a week even though she doesn’t enjoy sweating.
This is a cool story. We all need a target to shoot at otherwise what is the point?
I hope she has set a new goal now and is aiming somewhere else so her motivation does not waiver.
As for skinny people and appetites…. I just don’t get it! I eat healthy and workout hard 6 days a week but still have a few pounds to lose!
Forest´s last blog ..Cheapest Cities to Live, 2010
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Isn’t that funny how some people’s metabolisms are like that? How awesome for them! My skinny gene/jean days disappeared after high school!
I guess the moral of the story is to entice yourself and others with prizes to get going on whatever they want. It’s kinda like how credit cards have cash back rewards…the more you spend, the more you get back. :) Isn’t that nice…but for whom? hehe… :)
Kristine´s last blog ..How 401k Investments Promote Gambling
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admin Reply:
June 19th, 2010 at 6:41 am
There’s always the other side to the reward indeed! I thought it was clever to do a play on words with gene/jean :)
admin´s last blog ..Oops! The World Is Coming To An End!
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Congrats to your friend Lisa – Socks are kind of a big deal :)
I loved the story about the gym and it just goes to show what a little incentive can do or patrons. Or maybe it was just the lure of the “cotton that warms the feet”. I’ve been seeing a lot lately about “calls to action” and it’s great to see a non-internet example this time around. Great post Sam as usual!
Just think for the PR they received and the word of mouth advertising that was done for them, the cost of the give away was totally worth it. I’d be curious to see how many new memberships came out of it.
Nunzio Bruno´s last blog ..Want to make more money, give it away!
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I like Evan’s suggestion of accountability as a means of motivation. For me it’s mostly my kids. I want them to be happy and enjoy the best of life and that motivates me to keep going when all I want to do is take a nap.
Mike @ Saving Money Today´s last blog ..Aweber Review – List Management and Email Autoresponder
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This gave me a few giggles I must admit Sam. There is no denying the power in bribes and incentives. It gets people to do the craziest things. That must be why I see all these Facebook groups about a free $1000 gift card to Walmart if you jump through about 100 hoops and sell your soul.
But this kind of reaction goes against everything I believe. I believe in progress as a species in all areas, including finances. I don’t see how one’s motivation being tied to bribes and gimmicks is going to long term create the psychology in someone that is necessary for lasting positive growth. I look at bribes like this as injecting steroids. You get a short burst sure. But in the long run, there ends up being more damage and little gain.
Still, I’m amused at the pair of socks being one. I would be quite interested to have you friend share a few thoughts somehow through you to your audience here – not sure if that is a possibility, but figured I’d ask anyway :)
Jeremy Johnson´s last blog ..Wheel Of Fear
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admin Reply:
June 19th, 2010 at 6:42 am
“Progress” is my one word definition of happiness, what’s yours?
Sure, she can share some thoughts. What are you wondering?
admin´s last blog ..The Reply Button Is There For A Reason
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Jeremy Johnson Reply:
June 27th, 2010 at 8:52 am
I would say “Effort” and “Progress”. I’ve made progress before without effort and it wasn’t quite the same for me. Like having someone do something for me where I didn’t have to do much. I felt kind of guilty.
I would love to hear her talk about what really drives her and makes her fulfilled? Where does she see herself in 5 years?
Jeremy Johnson´s last blog ..Helping Those Who Struggle
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I’m a dietician by university qualification, 2 of my friends have done their phd thesis on these points and can I say frankly that the idea that some people have “skinny” genes is bull. Your friend might eat a big meal out, but if you add up her total calorie intake- total calories burned over 12 months and compare it with yours I assure you it will be less than yours. It’s just the reality. On a personal note I have 2 female friends who are like this people are always amazed at what they eat but the reality is while they may have a big dinner out they’re might have forgoten breakfast, morning tea, lunch, had a chocolate bar for afternoon tea but it total they at less calories.
Bankruptcy Ben´s last blog ..Squeezing Every Last Cent!
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admin Reply:
June 19th, 2010 at 6:44 am
“Skinny” genes isn’t totally bull… I do think genetics is at least a 20% determinant of our physiques. But since it’s only 20%, I think we have the power to improve our health and bodies if we try. Biggest Loser winners all lose 200lbs after 3 months, that has to count for something.
admin´s last blog ..Oops! The World Is Coming To An End!
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Bankruptcy Ben Reply:
June 24th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
It’s even less than 20% I think it accounts for something like 2% of weight (if I remember university correctly:)
They main issue, much like PF Samurai is the example eating our parents display. Our parents are the main source of food modling. If you parents are overweight chances are you’ll be to not because of genetics buy because your concept of “normal eating” is scewed.
Bankruptcy Ben´s last blog ..Extra Income
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LOL LOL Madonna arms!! You’re right, they ARE kind of scary- they are so ripped looking =)
Wow- that’s pretty intense your friend did that for a chance to win a t-shirt!! Maybe it’s just the CONCEPT of winning something that she wanted. I would do it if i was guaranteed something (something good… i don’t think tube socks or T shirts do it for me), but not for the chance to win something (cus I never win anything ever!)
I have high metabolism too.. but in my late 20′s it’s catching up to me! =(
youngandthrifty´s last blog ..Top 10 Tips For Avoiding Travel Trauma & Saving Money
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admin Reply:
June 19th, 2010 at 6:46 am
Madonna arms are WAY TOO SCARY! So, if there are any women out there who are work out maniacs and want to impress the guys… well, having arms like a body builder might turn guys off. Just saying!
admin´s last blog ..Who Needs A Job When You Have A Private School Degree
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I, like your friend am an incentive “sucker”. I am drawn to the thrill of the competition, or chance to win or receive something. Funny how a free T-shirt, mug, or one year supply of something motivates me. When it comes to the gym, my motivation comes from feeling better about myself-so free T-shirt or not I drag myself there even when I don’t feel like it. This is a great post sharing an important message!
Suzanne
Social Media Specialist
CareOne Debt Relief
http://twitter.com/AskCareOne
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Hmmm, sounds like your friend (while wanting the golf package) thrives on winning… No matter what the reward. Some people are competitive like that. I personally don’t get excited about contests like that unless the payout is very good. I do know a receptionist that would constantly call radio stations while at work. She would actually win a lot of decent prizes (to her). I always though she’d get in trouble eventually, but surprisingly, she never did.
You friend sounds pretty cool and fun! I bet she can keep up with you on those bike rides now!!! ;)
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admin Reply:
June 19th, 2010 at 6:49 am
Sounds like it right? But actually, she’s one of the least competitive people I know! She just LOVES “free” stuff!
She prop could keep up right after her work out mania, but not now again :)
admin´s last blog ..Who Needs A Job When You Have A Private School Degree
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The last time I went to a gym regularly was when I got a break on my insurance for going. Now, I just do it at home. I do think incentives work, however. And, if it leads to more members at the gym then why the heck not part with some super sweet tube socks.
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oh the carrot. how it can work so well.
just be careful not to give to much then people all of a sudden expect it all the time
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Good story. Rewards can really motivate people, it’s a common business tool. If we could come up with our own rewards program for ourselves, it might add that extra motivation to do things we need to do but don’t always have the discipline to follow through on.
Squirrelers´s last blog ..Can You Ever Get a Truly Free Lunch?
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Rewards and/or free stuff are extremely motivating for a lot of people. it’s part of the reason why rewards credit cards are so popular – they stress the idea of getting something for almost nothing – and end up motivating people to spend more of the rewards that far too often are never even redeemed!
Money Smarts´s last blog ..10 Ways To Save Money When You’re On A Tight Budget
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Hey Sam,
The end of the article really made me laugh, I wish I had her luck, when it comes to win stuff. Sorry that you didn’t win though, you could have one a new pair of socks and a T-Shirt! Little rewards can drive people to get a new big step in their life. To bad, usually after the rewards disappear, the effect fly away too with it.
Ary´s last blog ..Money- Like a cake
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