Accountability doesn't have to hurt: how sending songs makes daily habits stick

Accountability mechanisms can be joyful

The author and their partner each have daily tasks — concussion exercises for her, workouts for him. Instead of using accountability bets that magnify the stick, they send each other a song whenever they complete their task. The system is surprisingly effective because it waters the carrot: the only consequence of skipping is not sharing music, while completing the task brings joy to someone they love.