As a teacher, I am always trying to instill in my students the idea of intrinsic motivation...motivation to try their best, do their homework, and study for simply the satisfaction of doing a good job. However, I know reality is much different and a homework prize sitting in a decorated box is much more motivating.
Then I began to look at myself and what motivates me. Of course I love the feeling of being healthy and knowing I am living a fit life, but that "carrot" dangling gets me out of bed in the wee hours of the morning.
A faster mile...longer plank...pounds lost...skinny jeans...longer long runs...a new shiny pr...Is this wrong? Why wouldn't the same strategy that I use with my students and my own daughter work for me and losing weight? Yes being healthy is motivation enough but after it is all said and done I'd like a little something for the effort! Saturday after getting home from my long run (I tend to do my best thinking on my long runs), I told my hubby my new plan. I was going to reward myself for each 10lbs that I lose. Now during the pregnancy I probably rewarded myself with treats (probably why I have so much to lose but hey I was pregnant), these rewards, however, are going to be more tangible. I know you've all seen this saying...
So after my first 10lbs...I'm getting myself some fancy warm gloves that I saw in a local store the other day while shopping for my hubby! I have really warm Under Armour gloves but have to take them off if I want to change songs on my iPhone (SUCKS in New England winter running). So these babies are mine when the scale reads 10lbs lighter (only 3lbs away!)...
I have several more things in mind...like an arm band for my iPhone...or those awesome shirts with the thumb holes (Yes I do realize that these things have been out forever!)...or even some race entries.
Any suggestions? Do you reward yourself for catching the "carrot"?
non food motivators can be a GREAT motivator!!! good luck, lady! you got this!
ReplyDeleteI do
ReplyDeletelovingly and a lot ;-)
HELLO NEW BOOKS and APPAREL :-)
love this idea!! what is your final prize idea? New sneaks??? Date night out with babysitter? Movie night, ice skating? Non food related of course!
ReplyDeleteThose are all awesome ideas!!
DeleteYou are so close to your goal! They look like great gloves. I put a hole in my gloves when I fell a while back, but I don't mind the hole too much. It reminds me to watch my step!
ReplyDeleteYou are doing so well. Love the idea of a little reward at the end of the effort. And those gloves are pretty cool looking!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Good luck and your readers are here to hole you accountable :)
ReplyDeleteThat is such a good idea. I never think to do this kind of thing for myself. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteLast year I realllllllllly wanted these tie dye running shoes (aasics tri gel noosas), but they were LOUD and not practical for half marathons so I couldn't justify buying them. My bf at the time said that with shoes that obnoxious you have to be fast, so he suggested I set a goal time for half marathon distance. I still hadn't broken 1:50 yet, so he said 1:45 because then I had to push myself. Sounds silly but it REALLY worked. I already wanted to break 1:50, this gave me a reason to push further and see if i couldn't go 1:45.
ReplyDeletei've never rewarded myself for weight loss, however i think i should start doing that so i can get results quicker!
Love little rewards :)
ReplyDeleteKeep it going!
I don't usually plan on rewarding myself but do use that as an excuse when I want to buy myself something. You need to get some of those gloves that actually work with the smartphones so you don't have to take them off :) Have a great year and good luck on losing your first 10lbs. I am sure you will have to problems doing it!
ReplyDeleteMassages? Pedicures? Warm running socks? A new nail polish?
ReplyDeleteI already have a massage and pedicure waiting for me for sticking to my january training plan!
ReplyDeleteOOOOH good one!!!
DeleteSuch a great idea! I love doing this and massages are normally the first reward I pick.
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with a little incentive! I like those gloves :) Plus you'll be rewarded twice because you will feel better!!
ReplyDeleteLove those gloves!!! I love rewarding myself, usually with a massage or new apparel!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou will get those gloves in no time! I think rewarding yourself for your successes is great. We deserve to be rewarded every once in a while. In a job, the reward is the paycheck. People don't work just to make their bosses happy:)
ReplyDeleteIncentives are a great way to keep track of progress in achieving especially running goals. Make your incentive as big as your goal. For example, run a 5k then buy a new outfit or a run a marathon and treat yourself to a mini weekend getaway. Good luck with your goal!
ReplyDeleteNow that I think about it I don't reward myself very often. Side note...I seriously need new, warmer, gloves!
ReplyDeleteI can see you wearing those gloves now :)