Question of the Day

[ayoub]

If you get something valuable for free, does its value diminish in your mind?

Or

If it's too easy, do you feel there's something wrong with it?

Comments

[smwright.livejournal.com]

Because I'm still behind, I'll be brief and less psychological than usual. *tugs at the reins*

#1 no
#2 yes

[ayoub.livejournal.com]

2 - You'd look a gift horse in the mouth?

(No rush on responses... And pause for breath!)

[smwright.livejournal.com]

#2 - Not so much a gift horse in the mouth thing, but more that I understand psychological motivations. When intrinsic motivation is undermined, it tends to be undermined permanently, and if I want to maintain the value of whatever the task is for myself, then I wouldn't want it to be too simple. For instance, if a bit of writing or prepping a lecture takes too little time or requires too little effort, then suddenly the overarching task (e.g., writing or lecturing) loses some of its appeal.

But then, I have a high need for cognition. That explains part of it for me. :)

Still tons to do, but at least I'm able to do LJ in fits and starts some today. I suspect I'm looking at Friday before real catch up begins. :(

[ayoub.livejournal.com]

So you want the reward to be worth the work?

Ouch... I hope things calm down for you!

[smwright.livejournal.com]

So you want the reward to be worth the work? That's precisely it. Excellent way to phrase things.

Ouch... I hope things calm down for you! Soon. One more day to lecture and the final on Friday. Of course, there's no way to finish all the material tomorrow I'm so far behind, but what can you do?

[ayoub.livejournal.com]

:D Glad you liked!

Stock up on the coffee and work through the night... :)