I spend a lot of time thinking about motivation. If I’m not trying to come up with a way to bribe myself into healthy habits, I’m looking for a magic spell that will cause all my students to do their homework—on time and with enthusiasm. Needless to say, this not an easy feat. Last week, I implemented a new “leveling  up” system with my students, and was trying to think of how I could use points to motivate myself. I started talking about this with friends Paloma and Amanda on Sunday night, and they offered a brilliant solution: disincentives.

Last year, Paloma heard a story heard on NPR (which I couldn’t find, but this WSJ piece approximates the idea) about two professors who made a weight loss bet. The idea is that negative incentives work so much better than positive ones because the former actually changes your life, while the latter doesn’t. Along with a friend, the ladies tested the program by setting month-long goals and picking penalties. (Theirs included a conspicuous and tacky henna tattoo or wearing “whore makeup” for a week. To work.) The result? It worked.

Given this rave review, I’m getting on board. For the next month, the three of us are working to meet a new round of goals. Because I’ll be crazy busy in the States visiting friends and family, I wanted my goals to help keep me on track with my success from the Spent program, but to be realistic, too. I decided on a minimum of 15 minutes of yoga, five days a week, and a green smoothie three days a week. These goals are meant to be a gentle push, with the understanding that I can ramp it up when I’m back in Korea with time to kill.

In case you haven’t figured it out from the blog title, Sarah Palin is my disincentive. More specifically, if I don’t meet all my goals, I have to write a $100 check to her campaign fund. I can think of few things I would less like to give my money to. As if that isn’t bad enough, it would also grant Michael a lifetime of mocking rights. Lemme tell you—so far, this is working like a charm. It’s day three, and I’m 3 for 3 on smoothies, and am doing my second yoga session as soon as I post this. To make myself extra accountable, I’ll also post the weekly spreadsheet detailing my progress.

So how about you? Do you think this disincentive idea would work for you? Feel free to post your goals and disincentives in the comments!