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How Do I Choose the Best Motivation Software?

D. Nelson
D. Nelson

People use motivation software when they want computer programs that enable them to achieve goals such as to quit unwanted behaviors, perform better at work, or to better their lives in general. To choose the best motivation software, you first need to decide exactly which kinds of goals you hope to achieve and in which contexts you might use software. It should go without saying, for example, that a person who wants motivational software to lose weight should use programs quite a bit different from that used by a teacher who wants to motivate his or her students. It also important to consider the history or reputation of software, as well as more practical concerns, such as cost and access models.

In professional environments, instructors and managers might use motivation software to improve the performances of students and employees. Before choosing this kind of motivational software, it probably is a good idea to consult high level managers or administrators to learn if there are any concerns related to programs that are used. For instance, a business might already have a contract with one software provider, and this provider might also offer motivation software. If you are interested in software for your own personal development, you might want to consult a health professional, especially if you have a history of serious related problems. For example, if you have a history of debilitating depression, you might want to check with a counselor or mental health professional before using a program that is supposed to help you to eliminate anxiety.

Woman doing a handstand with a computer
Woman doing a handstand with a computer

As with most consumer products, it is a good idea to research the reputations of different kinds of motivation software. If you would like to stop smoking, for example, you can look at support sites for people attempting to end their dependence on tobacco. Read forums where people talk about different resources they have used to quit their habits. It also is a good idea to see which programs authors and medical specialists recommend. You should keep in mind that producers of motivation software might buy advertisements that look like objective reviews, so make sure that you either are getting legitimate reviews or a wide variety of perspectives.

It is important to consider price and access models when it comes to motivation software. Many people choose to use software on demand, which requires the payment of subscription fees and which can be accessed from any location where Internet access is available. By paying a little more, however, people can own software that they install on their computers.

Discussion Comments

pastanaga

@Fa5t3r - I wish they would come up with a way of integrating the games they have on Facebook with motivation in the real world. I've seen a few people trying their hands at this but nothing that seems to work yet.

Imagine if you had a game that rewarded you every time you went for a twenty minute walk. Or that would give you points for eating vegetables or fruits or something like that.

People get obsessed with those games and it would be very easy to measure their walking and so forth with the GPS that is included on almost every smartphone.

There are probably some games out there now that will do this, but I'm hoping they will become more popular and include better features as time goes on.

Fa5t3r

@MrsPramm - There are other programs that might be more suited to people who prefer a stick rather than a carrot. In my writer's forum they have mentioned one where you can set it up so that it starts an annoying noise that gets louder and louder until you start typing.

I'm not sure it would be all that great for someone who was trying to be creative, but if all you're doing is typing out written notes or something, it would probably work quite well.

MrsPramm

One of my favorite kinds of motivation software is a program that will reward you with a picture or something similar every time you finish a certain number of words.

The best known one is a website called "Written Kitten" which puts a new kitten photo up every time you type a hundred words (although you can set it to a different number if you want). But there are other ones that will stop you from using a game or the internet until you finish an arbitrary amount of work.

I like the kitten one because you can keep typing without being interrupted, but still feel like you're being rewarded.

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      Woman doing a handstand with a computer