Have you ever felt like it’s easier to keep going once you’ve started on something? Maybe it’s when you’re finally getting into the groove with a new workout routine or making headway on organizing your space. This little motivational boost has a name: the endowed progress effect. It’s a phenomenon where feeling like you’ve already made a bit of progress makes you more driven to complete a goal.
What Exactly is the Endowed Progress Effect?
The endowed progress effect is a psychological quirk that shows we’re more likely to stay motivated when we think we’re partway through a task. This was discovered in an interesting study involving loyalty cards at a car wash. Half the people were given a blank card needing eight stamps for a free wash, and the other half received a card requiring 10 stamps but with two already filled. Even though both cards technically needed eight punches, people with the “head start” completed the card more often than those who started empty-handed. Just that little bit of perceived progress made all the difference.
Why Feeling Progressed Feels So Good
There’s something about seeing that little head start that gives us a boost. It all comes down to two things:
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Feeling Closer to the Finish Line: When you believe you’re already part of the way through, you feel like your goal is that much closer. This feeling creates a sense of momentum that makes it easier to keep going.
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Sticking to What You Started: Psychologists have found that once we’ve started something, we like to be consistent. So, if you see that you’re already 30% through a project or task, your brain wants to keep up that effort rather than abandon it halfway.
How to Use This Boost in Everyday Life
The best part about the endowed progress effect is that it’s not just for customer loyalty cards – you can use it in your daily life to stay motivated. Here are a few simple ways to apply it:
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Break Your Goals Down: If you have a big project, split it into smaller tasks, and check off a few right at the start. For example, if you’re cleaning the house, start with the things you find easiest to tidy up first. Just those first few checks can help you feel motivated to keep going.
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Make Progress Visible: Try a tracker or checklist. If you’re working on something over a few days, a simple chart showing how far you’ve come can be a great reminder of the progress you’re making. Visuals like these create that “head start” feeling that makes you want to reach the finish line.
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Reward Yourself Along the Way: Don’t wait until the end to celebrate! Reward yourself when you hit smaller milestones. If you’re learning a new skill or working on a passion project, celebrate the steps that get you closer to your goal, not just the final outcome.
Embrace That Head Start
At Beflo, we love to encourage people to build positive habits and stay motivated, whether that’s through creating a more inspiring workspace or setting up routines that make the day feel more productive. By setting yourself up with a “head start,” you’re more likely to stay on track and reach the goals you set.
So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that starting is sometimes the hardest part – and even a small bit of progress can be enough to carry you forward. Whether you’re organizing your workspace, learning a new skill, or just aiming to build more structure into your day, every step you take is a step closer to the finish line. Keep moving forward; you’ve got this!