• Question: How can we motivate ourselves more effectively through reinforcement?

    Asked by anon-188275 to Warren, Paul, Nadine, Alex on 6 Nov 2018.
    • Photo: Alex Reid

      Alex Reid answered on 6 Nov 2018:

      Reinforcement (punishing and rewarding behaviour) is quite a specific technique and generally speaking it is probably better to motivate yourself by focusing on goals and achievements instead. Plus I would never encourage you to punish yourself! That said, I suppose I sometimes motivate myself through positive reinforcement. For example I sometimes give myself a little treat if I complete a task. This could be playing a computer game, eating a wee snack or some other activity I enjoy.

    • Photo: Paul Matusz

      Paul Matusz answered on 6 Nov 2018:

      HI WIliam,

      Alex made a very good point that reinforcement learning is a very particular type of learning. Spliting a big task into smaller tasks and then giving yourself a (small) treat after finishing each small task, and a big treat after finishing a whole task is one good idea. Perhaps, more generally, have a look at this nice summary of some of the more important findings of how to learn best? https://www.brainscape.com/blog/2012/10/breakthroughs-science-of-learning-2/ . Hpoe this helps 🙂

    • Photo: Nadine Mirza

      Nadine Mirza answered on 12 Nov 2018:

      I think, like Alex and Paul said, it’s a very specific type of learning and like Alex highlighted, you can give yourself a treat after completing a task. On a daily basis I’ll let myself take a break with a book or Netflix if I complete a good amount of work. If I spend a week or two working hardcore on a project I’ll reward myself with a fun day with my friends, eating out, going to the cinema, just genuinely enjoying myself. If I’ve being really good at budgeting and saving up money after a month or two I may buy myself something really nice. Or if I’ve stuck to my diet and exercise regime I’ll have an epic cheat day. All of that would be positive reinforcement. But it’s important not to treat yourself too often, otherwise you’ll be treating yourself more than the actual behaviour you should be doing! In the same way, if I slack off or don’t meet deadlines I get negative reinforcement in the form of getting told off by my supervisor and being told to shape up!

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