Company
Date Published
Author
Genevieve Colman
Word count
2170
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

The endowed progress effect is a psychological phenomenon where providing artificial advancement toward a goal motivates people to complete the goal. Researchers found that giving customers a head start, such as shipping free frames or offering points for purchases, increases motivation and commitment to a program. The Zeigarnik Effect, which states that unfinished tasks are more bothersome than completed ones, plays a role in this effect. Additionally, the goal gradient effect suggests that the closer someone is to a goal, the harder they work to complete it. Expectancy, or the belief that one's effort will result in achieving a desired goal, also affects motivation. By using various tactics such as creating a head start, using abstract measurement, focusing on resources already spent, sequencing tasks into smaller steps, and being transparent about what's left to do, individuals can harness the endowed progress effect to boost motivation and productivity.