Small rewards and focused attention

I learned another lesson from yesterday’s post about Plants Vs. Zombies. I am extremely motivated by check lists and reward systems, even when the rewards are imaginary. So today I put together a little motivational check box system that lets me measure my revision progress. I spaced things out into a fairly reasonable schedule so that I can finish the revision in about three weeks. I will now try to exceed that schedule, because that is always what I try to do with schedules.

I finished my allotted segment for today, but was stymied in my intent to get ahead because I had to sit next to Gleek for two hours while she caught up on all the homework she hasn’t done for two weeks. Gleek was awesome. She slogged through 6 pages of math problems for the reward of one gold fish cracker per problem solved. We upped the price to chocolate chips for the last couple of pages, because her enthusiasm was flagging. In the end we got it all done, which means she’ll be able to go to her class “I’m Caught Up” party on Friday.

It felt really good to sit there and give Gleek my complete focus for a couple of hours. Patch has been getting more focused attention as well. He doesn’t appreciate all of it, because it has involved much more regular bathing. Link and I had a time to sit down and talk about his school work, which I’ve not done since some time in October. That felt good too. Perhaps best of all, I gave less attention to Kiki and her homework. She’s stepping up and handling it herself, which is a mighty relief.

Here’s hoping tomorrow will bring as many good things as today did.