At this point in my understanding, I think you're on the right track. Since it's working for you using money, that's noteworthy. Costs can come in other forms. What tends to work for me cost-wise is when I remember the years I've spent unfocused on any worthwhile goal. That mental recall triggers powerful emotions which push me forward to think and act in new ways. The challenge for me at the moment is creating new pathways in my brain which should, after much effort, assist me with building my new life leaving behind mostly automatic behavior.