Given to choice to start a running habit, which would you choose? a) Buying new running shoes b) Starting to run with your precious shoes

Psychological research suggests that b) has a higher chance of producing a lasting habit. Your strategy would however suggest that a) can be billed as high value wile b) doesn't.

It's no good idea to try to feel satisfaction for something else then following through on the habit. It reduces the satisfaction you can expect by actually following through because you already felt some satisfaction for the goal. Therefore you are less likely to follow through.

There also a related TED talk: http://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_keep_your_goals_to_yourself.html