Semantics

I've been using a new strategy with Sam where I frame my requests with the word WHEN instead of the word IF. The difference is subtle but important, I think. Check it out:

If you eat some chicken, I will give you more mac n' cheese. 

VS. 

When you eat some chicken, I will give you more mac n' cheese. 

The first one implies that Sam may not eat his chicken, and then I will punish him by withholding mac n' cheese. The second implies that I believe Sam will eat his chicken, and then we will all be so happy about him having more mac n' cheese.

I can't say if it works because, chicken or not, Sam gets more mac n' cheese. I'm a total pushover. But I do feel better about myself saying it this way.

So I'm applying it to the dissertation too.

When you finish this chapter on Friday, you will schedule a massage. 

See, it feels good.

Again, I'll schedule the massage either way, but at least I believe that I have the potential to earn it.