Yesterday, we learned that forcing functions are a common tool used by high performers to help create positive outcomes.
According to Chris Sparks, there are several different types of forcing functions:
Deadlines. Deadlines can be imposed by an external person, organization, or yourself. The more trouble you get in for missing the deadline the more effective it will be.
Externalization. It’s important to let someone you respect know what you’re trying to accomplish. Goals are rarely achieved when they only exist inside your head.
Accountability. The desire to appear competent and consistent is a powerful motivator to not show up empty-handed or waste the time of others.
Constraints. Creating conditions for an unpleasant task that must be met before receiving a reward. For example, I will not eat lunch until I finish my recruiting time block for the day.
Stakes. Increasing the stakes of failure will automatically raise your level of performance.
Because each person has unique strengths and weaknesses, you may respond to one type of forcing function better than another.
Or you may need to combine more than one of the forcing functions to create the needed behavior change.
Regardless of what combination works for you, forcing functions are helpful for aligning short and long-term incentives, creating a timeline to track progress, and giving last-minute bursts of motivation to get a project across the finish line.
If you’re not using them, you’re probably not reaching your potential.