7 Tested Ways to Make You Motivated On-Demand

The feeling of accomplishment is the main ingredient for getting stuff done.

Do you know that feeling you get when you finally finish a task that’s been on your list for a while?

It’s like taking a deep breath of fresh air or putting down a heavy box you’ve been carrying.

Relief.

But also: satisfaction.

Your brain releases dopamine and you feel on top of the world!

I drafted this article whilst extremely high - on dopamine.

I’ve finally finished an AI project that has taken many hours and several obstacles to overcome.

Here’s the project in case you’re interested to find out more!

As I reflect on this achievement, I had the urge to get back to it and start on a different task almost immediately.

What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I just revel in this moment a while longer?

What’s the urgency to get more stuff done?

Then I realised - I’m addicted to the feeling of accomplishment.

This is driving my motivation to create.

Thankfully, you can reproduce this feeling at any time of day and enjoy the fruits of an on-demand dopamine hit.

Image created by author using DALL-E

7 ways to get an on-demand dopamine hit.

1. Set Small, Attainable Goals

• Break Down Tasks: Divide large or complex tasks into bite-sized pieces that can be completed in a short time. Each completion will give a mini reward.

• Use Checklists: Writing down tasks and checking them off provides a visual and satisfying way to acknowledge progress.

• Start with Simple Wins: Begin your day with a task you can finish quickly, like tidying your desk or sending an email. This small win sets the tone for further accomplishments.

2. Use Time Management Techniques

• Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused intervals (e.g., 25 minutes), then take a short break. Completing each interval creates a sense of achievement.

• Two-Minute Rule: If something takes two minutes or less, do it immediately. This helps clear quick tasks and builds momentum.

• Gamify Your Tasks: Turn tasks into a game by tracking points or giving yourself rewards for completing specific milestones.

3. Engage in Activities You Can Fully Complete

• Creative Outlets: Activities like drawing, journaling, or cooking provide a clear endpoint and instant gratification.

• Physical Tasks: Cleaning a room, organizing a shelf, or exercising for a set time gives a tangible sense of completion.

• Skill-Based Activities: Learn a short piece of music, complete a puzzle, or follow a quick tutorial to produce something tangible.

4. Leverage Visual Progress

• Track Accomplishments: Use tools like progress bars, habit trackers, or journals to visually record what you’ve done. – This is my favourite. I use it daily in the form of a visual weekly planner to record the things I need to do and track them. It is like a to-do list on steroids.

• Before-and-After Views: Take photos of tasks, like cleaning or organizing, to visually compare progress.

• Celebrate Micro-Progress: Acknowledge steps in long-term projects by highlighting milestones achieved along the way.

5. Reframe and Reflect

• Shift Focus to Progress: Instead of waiting for a large achievement, recognize progress in smaller steps toward the goal.

• Reflect Daily: End your day by listing 3-5 things you accomplished, no matter how small.

• Positive Self-Talk: Remind yourself of how each step contributes to your bigger picture, reinforcing a sense of value and purpose.

6. Create Rituals Around Task Completion

• Closing Ceremonies: Mark the end of a task with a small ritual, like standing up, stretching, or taking a short walk.

• Reward Yourself: Pair task completion with small, enjoyable rewards—like a cup of coffee, a quick break, or listening to a favourite song.

• Share Your Wins: Telling someone about your accomplishments or sharing them on a platform provides external validation and reinforces the feeling.

7. Engage in Challenges

• Set Time-Bound Challenges: Give yourself a deadline to complete a task for an adrenaline-fueled boost.

• Friendly Competitions: Involve friends or colleagues in a challenge to finish tasks, creating accountability and motivation.

• Personal Growth Goals: Continuously challenge yourself to improve in small, measurable ways.

When you make these practices part of your daily routine, you'll tap into that energy boost whenever you need it – keeping your momentum strong all day long.

There are clear benefits.

A powerful mood booster

Getting things done doesn't just mean a shorter to-do list.

Scientists have discovered that when we finish what we start, our brains get a renewed surge of energy, making it easier to keep the momentum going.

It's like a mental snowball effect – each task we complete not only gives us that immediate sense of accomplishment but also fuels our drive to tackle whatever comes next.

And these small wins add up to something bigger: a deeper sense of satisfaction and contentment in our daily lives.

A resilience builder

Building resilience isn't just about handling life's big challenges.

Every time we complete a task, we're training ourselves to push through obstacles and manage our time more effectively.

It's like building a mental muscle – each small success becomes concrete proof that our efforts really do lead to results.

And as we tackle both simple and complex tasks, we're quietly developing the grit and determination needed for life's bigger challenges.

A growth mindset

Success isn't about natural talent – it's about embracing the journey of improvement.

When we regularly complete tasks, we reinforce a powerful truth: that we can get better at anything through consistent effort and practice.

It's like rewriting our internal narrative – suddenly, mistakes transform from dreaded failures into valuable stepping stones for learning.

And before we know it, we find ourselves actively seeking out challenges rather than shying away from them, knowing that each attempt makes us stronger.

The ripple effect of accomplishment

Task completion does more than just organize our daily lives – it creates waves of positive change that reach far beyond our to-do lists.

Each small victory sends ripples of energy and confidence through our days, transforming how we approach both work and life's challenges.

The best part?

You can start experiencing these benefits right now, with something as simple as completing that one task you've been putting off.

And remember: every mountain is climbed one step at a time – your next small win could be the first step toward the biggest change you've ever made.

Thanks for reading.

I’d love to know which of these ideas you are going to try! Let me know in the comments.

Have a great week.

-Selda

P.S. If you found this article helpful, don’t keep it to yourself - spread the word! Share it with your friends, family and colleagues, and let’s help each other reduce procrastination and stay focused!

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