We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Business

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Choose the Best Motivation Software?

By D. Nelson
Updated: May 17, 2024

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.

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.

WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By pastanaga — On Jun 21, 2014

@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.

By Fa5t3r — On Jun 20, 2014

@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.

By MrsPramm — On Jun 19, 2014

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.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-choose-the-best-motivation-software.htm
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.