Initial Hurdles: Make the initial reward greater

So you don't want to jump the hurdle? And winning the race isn't every going to be enough to get you started?

What if there was a prize for being first across the hurdle?

Thats it.

Thats all you have to do.

Just the hurdle. And then you get a break. Then you get to do whatever you want.

Then you get to feel satisfied with yourself.

And... after you've had your reward... look at the problem again. Is there another hurdle you have to attack, or can you start running?