I think it's more of a psychological trick for the author, and it would probably work for me as well. Some people are incredibly good at doing what they consider fun. Others have a hard time turning off the analytical/anxious brain and will never do something unless it's an obligation.

For me, I'm much better at getting bike rides and runs in if I'm training for something, so I "have to" do my saturday long run. Others would do this "fun" (hobby) stuff without prompting but have a very hard time doing their chores.