Make a contract with yourself to do specific actions each week to improve your life like exercising three times for at least thirty minutes per session and rip up two dollars each time you fail to perform the action. The pain of literally ripping up money (not simply giving it away) helps offset the anticipated pain of performing difficult but worthwhile actions. Important: Make your list easily quantifiable showing what you will do and for how long. Post it where you will always notice it perhaps on your bathroom mirror or refrigerator door.
I found the above tip in Bottom Line Personal, January 15, 1997 issue. It was taken from Instant Insight: 200 Ways to Create the Life You Really Want. If you have attempted this approach, feel free to share your experiences.