User blog comment:Sdevine/Thoughts about HabitRPG and gamification/@comment-1873666-20140207211101

I like your discussion of external motivation. I've actually found that it's not the rewards, it's that tiny, but unmistakable feeling when I get to tick something off. Sometimes, it's minor, sometimes, it's bliss. It tastes like satisfaction, respect and relief.

II think the feeling is best after we've pushed the hardest. For me, after 90 minutes of exhausting putting a toddler to bed, my willpower is wiped, and it's hard to put my thoughts back together, or to take good advantage of the free time afterward. That moment of recognition is a reminder that the hard job is done, and a small celebration of accomplishment, like Mario leaping on the flagpole. It gives me the energy to get going again. Honestly, the coin payments reinforce the satisfaction, and I know I'll race to full complete sets of gear, but the real reward that keeps me coming back is that little win.