I think the real key to setting a motivational plan is to not listen to what other people are putting in place as their rewards, and instead, to ask the person who knows you best (you!) what rewards would motivate you. Here's my basic thought process:
1. What would you like to receive as a gift?
I've tried so many reward systems on myself that I'd given up believing that rewards could work, and then I had a real "duh" moment. Laura and I were talking about gift giving and what gifts we like receiving. I thought pretty hard about it when I realized my favorite gifts are just gift cards! It sounds really dumb, but it's like someone is giving me the gift of guilt-free shopping. I love shopping, but I'm usually shopping for things for the home, or for our daughter (baby girl stuff is impossible to resist. Resistance is completely futile). So, it's a pretty special gift when I get to just shop for myself.
Oh and here comes the "no doy" moment! What if my reward was just money to spend on myself?
And then the motivation began flowing through my veins. I sat down and devised a three-month plan to reach my next health goal. I made mini goals along the way, so that with each completed mini goal, I'm accruing for myself a little more shopping money—but I'm not allowing myself to cash out until my three months are complete. Make sense? I've never been more motivated, and I've already completed two of my mini goals! So what would be your favorite (realistic!!) present you could receive right now?
3. How much can you budget for your reward?
This was incredibly helpful, I haven’t thought about using little rewards like that before, and I think that might be more effective! Thank you Sarah!!
My problem is I might have ADD. I tend to lose lists or, if it is on a white board (or something similar), I look at it for a day or two and then ignore it because I already know what it says. I’m currently working on this but I want to use these methods to help me stay focused on my goals.
Hi Laura! You can find it here: http://www.stendigcalendar.com/Stendig_Calendar/Welcome.html 🙂 -Jacki
I love the calendar pictured here – where can I get one?
Oh Cat, I totally agree! I already use food as a reward and it’s not doing me any favors atm! I wonder if we’d ever be able to reward ourselves with a salad or something one day? Haha, no way.
I LOVE the gift cards as rewards idea. I love getting gift cards as gifts, I already ask for them for my bday and christmas! I can see this working so well with my blog and business goals. *scurries off to implement new goal system*
Elise // http://www.theconfettiroom.net
I ‘m always looking for something, anything, that helps me reaching my goals!! I’m sooooo lazy!! But this system and having money to buy something just for me (I have two little daughters and you are so right… Resist to baby shopping is impossible!!) could be the key! I’ll let you know!
I’m going to save this post because I love it so much! Currently my method is the list-making one, but I think I’m going to start combining with this one you just showed us! I love that you included rewards for someone who is on a budget (like the evening at home alone with a good movie/book) 😀
ps: You look lovely on those photos! <3 xx
(and sorry if I wrote anything wrong… English is not my first language!)
http://tatyannagois.wordpress.com
I’m so loving this feature! Although Emma’s method totally speaks to me, it’s so much fun to see other methods too. And I always feel like nobody in the blogging world is as hyped up about goals as you guys. And look how much you’ve all accomplished! It’s incredible! Keep on rockin’!
I have a terrible time sticking to a house cleaning schedule and once the house gets to be a mess, I just throw my hands up and live in the filth. But I found this app called “ChoreMonster” where you list out the chores you have to get done, give each one a set point value and once you complete it, you earn points that you can then redeem for a reward that you chose for yourself [mine is taking myself on a coffee and reading date] – my almost-four-year-old daughter loves it, too! She’s been so motivated to do her “chores” each day – things like cleaning up her own room, putting away her folded laundry, making sure our cat has food, etc. She’s cashed in her points for special trips to the park, a new doll, video game time with Daddy. It’s pretty rad! Rewards are awesome!
Sarah I love reading your posts, your writing voice always sounds just like my own internal monologue! A lovely cheese pizza…. just for me. Keep the posts coming, ya filthy animal! 🙂
This is brilliant! Can’t wait to try it out!
www.sillycrazylove.com
Thanks Jenny! This looks AWESOME. dang! Downloading!! xo-Sarah
Thank you Natalia – you are totally worth it! L’Oreal was correct! 😉 I love this system, too – I’ll have to give it a try. Milkshakes all around! xo-Sarah
I need extra motivations for my daily projects because with 1 kid and a baby girl it is imposible to get anything done : (
http://mykitschworld.blogspot.com
I LOVED this post. It’s so positive and fun! You made working for something, fun!
I usually reward myself with a chocolate milkshake if I’ve had a particularly good day. Out of the blue. Because I’m worth it. *L’Oreal twist*
I think she’s talking about habitrpg.com
That’s the one I use!
Jenny
http://magiccatjenny.com
oh man! You are too kind – made my day! Hah but admittedly I only do my hair if I know I’m gonna be in photos. 😉 The rest of my life is ponytails and bobby pins! xo – Sarah
Hah! Ivy thank you for sharing that – I love it!! Ready to fight against my inner pig dog! 😉 New life motto! xo-Sarah
Oh I love this!
i think my new goal is to have hair that looks as cute as yours does in this post, sarah. and that would be a reward in and of itself! 😉