Reward Strategies

[lilbunnygirl]

I was wondering how you all reward your progress?! I figured out that I was sabotaging myself the last go 'round - set my goals too high with an all or nothing attitude. This time I'm rewarding myself every 5 lbs (making a silver charm bracelet) and then every 10 pounds I'm going to visit a new craft store (mostly cross stitch) in the area which will also help me learn more about the area (we moved in July)

Joan

[KelBel]

Joan: Good for you! It's so important not to become overwhelmed and setting smaller goals gives you a sense of accomplishment and keeps ya motivated! Initially, I was setting goals for myself based on the scale and while I didn't quit doing that entirely, I also added other goals. Such as, being able to cross my legs, not having my legs rub when I walked, being able to get my wedding band off again, etc.. Some of the things I've done as rewards are: pedicure (loooove them!!), manicure, new shoes (I had my eye on a pair of $80 sandals for over a year -- mine now!!), professional highlights, new clothes, new purse. Hmmmm, I think that's about it. I've gotten to the point now that the loss in and of itself is reward enough -- much to my DH's delight as it is much easier on our checkbook. Tee Hee!

[Misti Ko]

I'd suggest that you reward yourself often - like everyday, just because you are you. Wear your best underwear (afterall, its not going to fit you soon!), buy some flowers for your living room, read a good book. As you do each thing, repeat to yourself "nice thing for me, nice thing for me"

If you are doing lots of other good things for yourself, maybe food won't seem so important.

[UNH1982]

Hey Joan,
I think you've got it right! We need to set small goals, and rewards for ourselves.
This past week I went a bought two pretty pairs of silver earrings since I reached 10% and -20#.
It felt so good to reward myself, and it encourages me to continue on my journey!
Reward yourself! graemlins/thumbup.gif
Dee

[lilbunnygirl]

Kelbel - I LOVE Pedicures...my DMIL treated me to one, and MAN could I get used to that!! Unfortunately, with hubby in school money is REALLY tight, so those rewards are out of the question smile.gif I guess I could window shop and dream smile.gif

Misti! I agree!! Hehee smile.gif That's why I celebrate my Bday for a whole week (hubby too...and eventually our kids)

Dee!!! CONGRATS on 10%!!!! I'm getting there - but don't know what I'll do when I get there..LOL Keep up the awesome job you're doing smile.gif

Thanks for the replies! smile.gif Good to hear that others appreciate themselves smile.gif

Joan

[mhawthorne]

I did not do much outside of the meetings to reward my weight loss until now! I made my 10% and DH bought me a massage for this week. I also bought new jeans in the next smaller size! I decided that when I lose 5 more, I will get a pedicure, and need to find others for the losses to come!

[marcie]

I've bought myself a membership to a luxurious gym! After each workout I have a lovely soak in the jacuzzi!

[TooFluffy]

I reward myself on a regular basis - a bracelet, a discman, a sweater, and next, a new pair of Nikes that I don't really need, but want. After that is an expensive handbag that I really don't need, either. I figure with all the money I'm saving on not buying junk food, why not?? My ultimate goal-reaching reward is an entire new wardrobe.

[LawDawg]

I set myself minigoals and reward myself at certain points. Every 10 pounds at first now its every 5 pounds. I still haven't bought anything over $20 and no clothes, but my 35# loss reward will be both. i find it works for me, but I don't stay OP for the rewards, I get the rewards for staying OP.

[dvnmama]

Hey Joan,
You can still find room for rewards even though dh is in school and money is really tight. I've been there, and I know how hard it is to take even one extra dollar away from monthly bills. What I started to do was simply put 1 dollar in a jar for every day I was able to meet all my goals. I'd make a list for the week of what my goals were (ie: staying OP, 96 oz of H2O, working out) and each night I'd review and put a dollar in my jar. At the end of the month I had 30 bucks and I would go buy something completely out of desire and not necessity. There were some months when it was 50 cents a day, but I always put something in the jar for days I'd met my goals. Sometimes I borrowed from the jar, yes. And sometimes I didn't have the money to replace it completely. It was a valiant effort though, and it really helped me focus on the goals.

Where did I get the money, you ask? Well, sometimes I'd shave it off the grocery bill. I gave up getting my morning coffee/soda on the way to work. Sometimes I'd just decide that I HAD to do it, regardless. And in the end, it didn't make life any worse for us. It was a suggestion from a friend who's been at lifetime for 10 years, and it was REALLY hard to wrap my mind around at first. I thought I couldn't find the cash, but she convinced me that what I was doing was just important for our family as what dh was doing, and somehow we found a way to manage him going to school. Don't take a back seat...this is important.

Good luck.
~Sue

[lilbunnygirl]

Hi Sue!!

I started to cry reading that post...and you know what? YOU'RE RIGHT! This IS too important smile.gif I think I'll do a dollar a day smile.gif No more back seat smile.gif Eventually I'll have enough for that pair of New Balance I want...progress every day instead of waiting to see what happens with the next pay check! smile.gif WHoooo hoooo!

Thanks!
Joan

[dvnmama]

I'm glad you're making yourself a priority smile.gif
I wish I'd done it sooner in my weight loss journey.
~Sue