An interesting bit of research was done with pigeons.  A pigeon was put in a box with two levers.  One lever released a kernel of corn every fifth peck.  The other lever released a kernel every 100^th peck.  Which lever does the pigeon choose to peck?  The lever that releases corn more frequently, of course.

People respond similarly.  We prefer to receive more frequent rewards.  That is the reason projects are more effectively completed when broken down into smaller parts.  For instance, if you have a work project due three months from now, you are likely to tell yourself that you have plenty of time and end up delaying work until the last few weeks.   Unexpected issues arise and the project is pushed back even further.  The result is a project that is rushed and not done as thoroughly and well as it should have been.

If, however, the project is broken down into three smaller portions with deadlines at the end of each of the three months, there wouldn’t be a rush at the end to complete it.  One section would be done after only a month.  The feeling of accomplishment spurs you on to begin the second part.  At the end of the second month the project is so near completion that you go ahead and finish.  This gives you the time to review it and make any adjustments for improvement.  You can truly celebrate a project well done.

Celebrating small achievements is vital to enjoying what you do.  Looking forward to that kernel of corn on a frequent basis keeps you motivated to do more.  What does your kernel of corn look like?  Is it simply a feeling of accomplishment?  Maybe you are like me and prefer to give yourself an actual reward after completing a project.

Whether your kernel is intrinsic or tangible, the important thing is that you get it frequently.  Reward yourself for small achievements and you can live . . . your life to the fullest.