Rewards as motivation...?

Annybel

The beginning of last year, I was on Weight Watchers. I loved the thought of losing weight in order to get free gifts or awards for doing something I already planned to do. This only worked for a very short time. I got tired of calculating points and going to the meetings. I was also the youngest person there and I don't like talking to people in a large group setting like that. I lasted just over a month. I think I may have went to a total of 6 meetings. Although I did lose 5 lbs while on the program, I slacked off and just stopped going.
Today I was cleaning off my computer desk and I found my old Weight Watchers stuff. I opened it up to look through it and found the Achievements and Rewards page. I was thinking that if I had some kind of reward it would probably better motivate me, but it didn't work well last time so I don't know if it would this time either. I was wondering what anyone else might think.
Do you find it easier to stay on track if you know you'll be rewarded for your perseverance?

KickassYas

sometimes you need more motivation than just fitting in a new pair of jeans or seein your toes or feeling sexier or living healthy or whatever.

sometimes you need something to reach for that is tangible. its understandable.

its a preference thing. however.. how will you keep it up when the rewards are no longer monitary?

fitniknik

I have NON FOOD motivations set up for myself for every 10 lbs lost! Its nice to reward yourself when you do something substantial... I mayyyy add to have a reward ever 5 lbs because after 20 lbs lost ive really really slowed down!

Annybel

sometimes you need more motivation than just fitting in a new pair of jeans or seein your toes or feeling sexier or living healthy or whatever.

sometimes you need something to reach for that is tangible. its understandable.

its a preference thing. however.. how will you keep it up when the rewards are no longer monitary?

My reward thoughts weren't quite monetary... so much as selfish. I don't get out much. I'm a full time college student and a stay at home mom. During the day I stay home with my 18 month old son and at night I go to class. I don't really know that many people or places around here even though I haven't moved in just over 2 years. I was thinking more a night out or something at first, or something like that. I also do various crafts. If I had the money I'd make a ton of stuff (cutting back on fast food should remedy my being broke)... although as it stands now, I have materials enough only to make small jewelry and I don't really wear jewelry.
*Shrug* I guess I just wanted to know how others felt... or how other people would be rewarding themselves. Fitting into those old skinny jeans is a goal, not really a reward for me.

bachooka

I Love the idea of a tangible reward also.... I really only have one thing that i did for myself... i bought a dress that was size medium and i plan on wearing it by my birthday this year! And also I told my self that when i reached 200lbs i would get a body fat percentage test so that i would know exactly what weight i should be striving for. I think i might have to make up some rewards for myself tho!

Annybel

I have NON FOOD motivations set up for myself for every 10 lbs lost! Its nice to reward yourself when you do something substantial... I mayyyy add to have a reward ever 5 lbs because after 20 lbs lost ive really really slowed down!

I think I might do that (every 10 lbs). Once I hit a plateau, I'll just go by pants size. If I've reached that goal then I could just do something for monthly maintenance... I guess I'll have to figure that out sometime...

curvykent

I have NON FOOD motivations set up for myself for every 10 lbs lost! Its nice to reward yourself when you do something substantial... I mayyyy add to have a reward ever 5 lbs because after 20 lbs lost ive really really slowed down!

What is it about those first 20?! It's been a real slow go since then for me too! I reward myself for every 10 too but I'm thinking the same thing. I might have to make it every 5. I have rewards such as new makeup, work on tattoo, trip to Disneyland. Of course the big rewards are closer to the end. It is motivating though. I've already met 3 goals. The biggest reward is my self esteem. It feels good to look at myself in the mirror and feel beautiful.

Annybel

I Love the idea of a tangible reward also.... I really only have one thing that i did for myself... i bought a dress that was size medium and i plan on wearing it by my birthday this year! And also I told my self that when i reached 200lbs i would get a body fat percentage test so that i would know exactly what weight i should be striving for. I think i might have to make up some rewards for myself tho!

I did something similar. I have an outfit I have picked out for my birthday. I plan on being able to fit into it by then (I hope).

EvelynForsyth

Hey!

I'm going to buy myself a dress i LOVE (not a pricey one). i have something in mind, i like the stuff on ASOS.com but the models are tiny and i feel nothing would look good. when i've lost my 20lb goal i'm going to buy it!