donkey-and-carrot

Getting our gardens in shape is its own reward, but it never hurts to have a little extra incentive; a dangling carrot and/or a motivating stick.

Now we’ve got a master list and a plan to carry it out, the next step is to pick out both a carrot (a reward for all this hard work) and a stick (something to spur us from behind).

We all know what motivates us. Choose something that you’ve been wanting for a long time, planning to get or do but never pulled the trigger on yet.

That really nice pair of secateurs you’ve always wanted.

Garden gloves that last more than one season.

Cute piece of yard art.

Or maybe you’re into experiences:

A manicure to undo all the damage caused by your hard work.

A picnic with someone special at the local botanic garden.

Dinner at that new restaurant you’ve been wanting to check out.

Ok. Great. Once you’ve decided on your carrot, let’s figure out the stick.

One thing that always lights a fire under me is inviting company over. How about scheduling a cookout for family, friends, or neighbors right about when you’ve calculated you should be finished with your list?

Maybe you have to make a campaign contribution to your least favorite candidate? Ouch.

Possibly NOT getting your carrot for another year would do the trick.

Pick out your carrot and your stick and share them in the comments. I can’t wait to see what motivates YOU!