Goal Gradient & Progress Mechanics
Effort accelerates as a goal appears closer; artificial head-starts, points and streaks exploit this by making the finish line feel near.
An everyday example
A 12-stamp loyalty card with two stamps already given beats a blank 10-stamp card, though both need ten purchases.
What it can cost you
Spending or working harder for a finish someone else drew, and valuing points as if they were money.
Warning signs
- I bought to get closer to a reward, not because I wanted the item.
- I would feel bad breaking the streak.
One thing to do
Translate every progress mechanic into its real cost: how many purchases, hours or disclosures does the 'reward' actually require, and what is it worth?
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