I think the reward system does still work, I just think the gamification and instant gratification sullies the effects. If you work hard at something consisantly with no focus on seeing a result now but have a goal in site, like a weight loss goal, business goal, skills development goal. Once you hit that after weeks, months even years the pleasure is well worth it.

I think we should look at I deserve it as a more long term play

FYI I also nominated your post as my @pifc curation post of the week. You can find my nominaiton here and if you're keen feel free to join us each week in finding new authors like yourself