How to Meet That 50K Mark... Or ELSE!

Most of you who have planned to do or are still contemplating participating in NaNoWriMo are probably completely overwhelmed by the idea of FIFTY THOUSAND WORDS. Yes... 50,000. 50K. That's a lot of words. What's even worse is that they are almost guaranteed to be fifty thousand words strung together very poorly. So maybe it's a good idea to start with a little pre-writing motivation to assure that you finish.

Here are a couple of ideas from the book about motivating yourself to reach that allusive number

1. BRAG! As you can see, I have taken this route. "Did I mention I'm working on a novel?" "Oh, I'm sorry, I can't go out for coffee tonight. I'm writing my novel." "Have you heard about the craptastic novel I plan to write in November?" Brag as if you've already written it. Believe me, your friends WILL hold you accountable! After boasting about your amazing project at such length, if you fail to come through, you won't be able to live it down for at least 11 more months.
   
2. Support Puppy Killers. Okay, so maybe there is no pro-puppy killing group, but I'm sure you could think of a few organizations that you would NEVER in your right mind donate to. For example, in my case, it would probably be the RNC (Republican National Convention). What you'd want to do is take a check and make it out for $50. Put it in a sealed, addressed, and stamped envelope and give it to a trusted friend who would have no problem mailing this letter should you fail. On those days, all you'd have to do is imagine 50 of your hard-earned dollars going to support an organization that normally makes you wretch!
   
3. Make "bets" with friends and loved ones. This one could perhaps be the most fun. Whether it be chores, massages, or home cooked dinners, there are plenty of ways to make non-monetary wagers. Come to think of it, I may make a bet w/ Mr. Daisy. If I don't finish, I'm not allowed to say my outdated phrases like "Rad!" "Damn Skippy!" or "-izzle" for a full year. Wow... That would hurt...
4. Have a friend hold a reward hostage. This idea isn't from the book, but it was on the website the other day. Is there a recent book that you really want? What about a new electronic gadget that you've been eyeing? Or maybe it's just a coffee mug that says "Author" on it. Go ahead and buy this item that you want. Once again, have a mean yet fair friend hold it hostage until she sees your NaNoWriMo winner's badge. If you don't make it, she gets to keep the prize or give it to another friend--just not you!

Does anyone else have any other ideas? I also thought about rewards, but all of the above fall along the lines of negative reinforcement. It's easier to give up a reward that you don't actually have yet than it is to miss out on something just within reach (like extreme bragging rights for a year!).