Gamification is a fancy word for something quite simple: making something more like a game. When we gamify a task, we add elements from games such as points, rewards, challenges or levels. That might sound silly, but it is a method that actually works surprisingly well. Especially when we are struggling with motivation.
Examples of gamification in everyday life
You probably already use gamification without thinking about it. Have you ever made a to-do list just so you could cross things off? That is a form of reward. Or allowed yourself a cup of coffee when you had finished cleaning? Again: reward after task.
Here are a couple of other examples:
A cleaning challenge where you collect points for every task you complete.
And a bingo card with tasks to be completed during the week.
A system where you level up once you have completed a certain number of tasks.
Reward boxes: Do 3 things and choose a small reward from a box.
Use of stickers or stamps as visible achievements.
Gamification is about making the process more motivating and fun, so we don't feel like we're just ploughing through an endless series of tasks.
Why does it work?
Games give us something that many tasks do not: a sense of progress. When we can see that we have “won” something, for example a task, a day or a week, it feels more satisfying. And it makes us want to continue.
It also helps with decision fatigue and procrastination. If, for example, you use a dice to choose which task to tackle first, you avoid having to stand and stare at your whole list.
How to use gamification in your everyday life
Create a to-do list with small rewards along the way
Use a die to choose today's task (read more in our blog post “Make everyday tasks more fun“
Think in levels: 3 small tasks = 1 level up
Use stickers or colours to mark progress
Make fun challenges for yourself (e.g. “tidy 3 drawers before 12 o’clock”)
Gamification does not require an app or an advanced system. It is just about thinking a little differently and giving yourself space to make productivity a bit more playful.
