Reward Before Work Kinda Makes You a Jerk

Overcoming the Entitlement Mindset:
How to Become a Hard-Working and Responsible Individual

This article is being written after years of observation of myself, my children, students, friends, co-workers & neighbors. Hopefully this article will shed some light for all of us (myself included) and lead to us being more responsible and productive people, dedicated to making the world a better place one act or action at a time. Perhaps you will just gain a better understanding of your students that want to be Masters over night! Whatever your situation this article should have some useful information for all. We will dive deeper into techniques to overcoming the Entitlement Mindset in future articles.

The psychology of people who expect the “reward before the work” is a complex topic that has been studied extensively by psychologists and behavioral experts, on me. This type of behavior can manifest in various forms, from procrastination to entitlement, and can have a detrimental impact on personal and professional growth. In this article, we will explore the underlying causes of this behavior and provide techniques to help individuals become more responsible, dedicated, and hardworking individuals who are willing to work towards a reward.

Causes of Expecting Reward Before Work

One of the primary causes of expecting the reward before the work is the desire for instant gratification. This should come as no surprise since we live in an instant gratification world. This desire is often fueled by the need for immediate pleasure or relief, which can be especially tempting when faced with difficult or challenging tasks. Individuals who exhibit this behavior may feel overwhelmed by the task at hand and find it difficult to motivate themselves to complete it.

Some individuals who expect the reward before the work may do so due to the fear of failure. This fear can be so strong that it can prevent them from taking any action or making any decisions at all. They are so afraid of not achieving the desired outcome that they would rather surrender to failure than try and risk finding themselves lacking. This type of fear can be especially pronounced in situations where the desired outcome is tied to a reward. Failure to achieve the reward can then be seen as a personal failure, causing these individuals to feel ashamed or humiliated. Such individuals may then avoid situations where they might fail, and their expectations for rewards will remain unfulfilled as they continue to avoid taking any risks. In this way, the fear of failure can be self-perpetuating, leading to a cycle of negative thoughts and behaviors that further reinforce the belief that they are not capable of success.

Finally, individuals who expect the reward before the work may lack discipline or motivation due to various reasons. It could be a result of a lack of confidence in their abilities or a fear of failure, making them reluctant to invest their time and effort in a task that may not lead to a reward. Additionally, some individuals may not have developed the necessary habits or routines to cultivate discipline and motivation, and may instead prioritize short-term pleasure over long-term gains. This can lead to procrastination, avoidance of difficult tasks, and an inability to stick to a plan or schedule, ultimately hindering their progress towards achieving their goals.

Techniques to Become More Responsible, Dedicated, and Hardworking

While the causes of expecting the reward before the work can be complex, there are a number of techniques that individuals can use to become more responsible, dedicated, and hardworking. These techniques are designed to help individuals overcome their fear of failure, develop discipline and motivation, and learn to prioritize long-term goals over short-term pleasures.

1. Set Realistic Goals

One of the most effective ways to become more responsible, dedicated, and hardworking is to set realistic goals. By setting achievable goals, individuals can create a clear roadmap for their progress and work towards a tangible reward. It is important to remember that goals should be specific, measurable, and time-bound to ensure that they are achievable and progress can be tracked.

2. Break Tasks into Manageable Chunks

For individuals who struggle with motivation or feel overwhelmed by tasks, breaking tasks into manageable chunks can be a useful technique. This involves breaking large tasks into smaller, more achievable tasks that can be completed one at a time. This approach can help individuals feel more in control of their work and make progress towards their goals.

3. Develop a Routine

Developing a routine is another effective way to become more responsible, dedicated, and hardworking. This involves creating a schedule or plan for daily tasks and activities, which can help individuals prioritize their work and stay focused on their goals. A routine can also help individuals develop discipline and motivation by establishing a consistent pattern of behavior.

4. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a technique that involves focusing on the present moment and being aware of one’s thoughts and feelings. Practicing mindfulness can help individuals develop self-awareness and gain insight into their behavior patterns. It can also help individuals stay focused on their goals and avoid distractions.

5. Create Accountability

Creating accountability is another effective technique for becoming more responsible, dedicated, and hardworking. This involves sharing goals with others and asking for their support and encouragement. By creating accountability, individuals can stay motivated and focused on their goals, even when faced with challenges or setbacks.

Conclusion

The psychology of people who expect rewards before work is a complex and multifaceted topic. This entitled mindset can be detrimental not only to the individual’s own success but also to the success of those around them. It can create a toxic work environment, hinder progress and growth, and cause unnecessary stress and conflict.

However, there are ways to combat entitlement and cultivate a mindset of hard work, dedication, and responsibility. By setting realistic goals, breaking tasks into manageable chunks, developing a routine, practicing mindfulness, and creating accountability, individuals can learn to value the process of work and feel fulfilled by the accomplishment of their goals.

Parents can also play a crucial role in raising children who do not fall into the trap of entitlement. By instilling values of hard work, determination, and responsibility from a young age, parents can help their children grow into successful and well-adjusted adults who do not expect rewards without effort.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to take responsibility for their own mindset and work ethic. It is not always easy, but the rewards of a strong work ethic and a sense of accomplishment are immeasurable. By focusing on the process of work and committing to the journey, individuals can achieve their goals and feel a true sense of satisfaction and pride in their accomplishments. So let us all strive to break free from the entitlement trap and embrace the value of hard work and dedication.

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