Reward Yourself for Reaching Goals

Sometimes reaching a goal is a reward in itself.  For example, I’ve been working out daily and monitoring my diet very carefully, in an effort to get less than 10% body fat, and I feel as though my 6 pack abdominals will be a great reward.  But for other things, like meeting a goal at work, where a reward isn’t exactly apparent, it’s ok to reward yourself every once in a while.

When I set goals I have my own rewards in mind.  But I make sure that the goals are relevant and that they further my progress in whatever I’m trying to reach.  For instance, with my fitness, I’ve stuck it out since the first of September, 5 times a week or more, and after 3 months of commitment I rewarded myself with some new clothes to workout in, the vitamins and supplements that I wanted, and some weight lifting gloves.  I’m really enjoying what I do, and the rewards only sweeten the deal.

If you are trying to lose weight it wouldn’t make sense to reward yourself with a cheesecake, right?  Only rewards that further your goals are appropriate.  Otherwise, that cheesecake is gonna set you back a couple of weeks in your weight loss goals.

I like to keep my goals and rewards in mind daily, as it gives me motivation to push through and persevere when I feel less than motivated.  Also the visualization of success puts the idea in my mind that I’ve already reached the goal, and now I’m just going through the motions.  Just another way to ensure that your goals are met, short term and long term.

I hope everyone had a great semester, and I hope that all of your hard work paid off in the grades you where hoping for/expecting.  Have a great day everybody!