Having a hard time losing the weight? Just can’t seem to find the time to start learning a new programming language? Make it a contest. Find a friend that wants to achieve a similar goal, and make a friendly competition out of it. Set a goal, lose 5 pounds in a month, write a basic application in the new language in a month’s time, the loser buys lunch. It’s enough of an incentive to want to beat your friend, but nothing that will ruin the friendship*.

*Seth Cardoza provides no warranty as to the status of your friendship at the end of the contest.