Incentive Ideas?

KimWW
KimWW Posts: 301 Member
in Motivation and Support
I read on a weight loss advice blog post that setting an incentive (beach trip, amusement park, scuba trip, etc) can be a big help to motivation.

There is one thing I want to do when I am no longer overweight, but it is a pretty big one ( hang gliding) and would like to set smaller incentive rewards for "along-the-way" goals. Any ideas?

Horseback riding might be doable, once I am not in danger of being arrested for animal cruelty. I know my daughters would love a Six Flags trip, once the roller coaster safety rails will close over my lap.

What about less expensive ideas for the 10 or 20 pound mark? Movie tickets, maybe? Hmmm...there is an idea. Any others?

Replies

  • Restybaby2012
    Restybaby2012 Posts: 568 Member
    A new "do"? New shoes?? A night out with someone? New music? Something new for the house/apartment/kitchen/bedroom et al?
    Im aiming for something new every 15 or 20 pounds. At 50 lbs Im investing in a new hugea$$ kingsize high profile bed. At 100 pounds it is my goal to buy the highest chunkiest pair of heels I can find with the longest tightest pair of jeans I can fit into.......then Im going dancing. (this wont be an easy task...Im already 6' tall...and have had knee replacement and several titanium pins, plates and screws) BUT Im determined.

    YOU HAVE TO BE TOO!!!! You have to stand strong....stay determined. Keep it in mind every single moment of every single day how good you'll feel....how you're gonna look.....how proud you'll be KNOWING you did this incredible thing...for YOU !!


    Good Luck...

    ~Resty
  • KimWW
    KimWW Posts: 301 Member
    I had decided that at 1-2 pounds a week, I could lose 20 by my 40th birthday in mid-December. The Hobbit opens on the 14th. There we have, my first milestone and incentive.

    See you opening night!
  • Robin_Bin
    Robin_Bin Posts: 1,046 Member
    Birthday goals are good.
    The Hobbit sounds good to me too. :smile:
    Other goals could be... new clothing, exercise equipment, planning a celebration with a friend who supports your goals (a trip to a nice park for a hike and healthy picnic -- careful how you use food in your rewards), supplies for a favorite hobby, a treat such as buying some bubble bath or make-up you like, a massage or manicure, tickets to other events or shows. More expensive treats could include a vacation or membership in an exercise center.
    I like tracking my weight on an Excel sheet. It's great seeing that trend line go down. Some people like seeing progress pictures of themselves. Another very inexpensive incentive is to make and print out an award or certificate for yourself.
  • Robin_Bin
    Robin_Bin Posts: 1,046 Member
    By the way, congratulations on your weight loss so far!

    I'm surprised more people haven't made suggestions, but this topic has come up before. Try searching for incentives, rewards, etc. for more good ideas.
  • jogglesngoggles
    jogglesngoggles Posts: 362 Member
    When I hit my first goal it was an expensive pair of "blingy" jeans I'd been wanting...My next goal is a tattoo I've wanted for a long time...think of something you've wanted, but haven't been able to justify...it makes it so much better when you earn it :) Good luck :)
  • Sweetpea64
    Sweetpea64 Posts: 21 Member
    Have someone that knows you well make up non see through bags with rewards, they don't have to be
    big, just of interest to you. Seal the bags and write the goal on them.
    You won't know what they are until you reach the goal. Trust me curiosity is a
    great motivator. I did this before once it was fun. Oh and do your others as well.
  • kelly1142
    kelly1142 Posts: 27 Member
    I made a list for myself.

    5ibs is a JETS tumbler that I'm dying for for football season.

    10LBS is a new outfit for work.

    I've only gotten that far so far, still trying to work out the other rewards :)
  • silverjezture
    silverjezture Posts: 46 Member
    Getting a manicure, Getting a pedicure, a new healthy cookbook, new excersize DVD, New hair color or do, New accessories (hat, scarf, etc), new jewelry (cute ring or bracelet), revamping your kitchen as a bigger goal?
  • IntoTheSky
    IntoTheSky Posts: 390 Member
    Have someone that knows you well make up non see through bags with rewards, they don't have to be
    big, just of interest to you. Seal the bags and write the goal on them.
    You won't know what they are until you reach the goal. Trust me curiosity is a
    great motivator. I did this before once it was fun. Oh and do your others as well.

    This is a GREAT idea! I set 10% goals. Every 10%, I get some sort of reward. I set it before hand, and if it is a pedicure, then I can't have one until my 10% loss happens. Right now, I have to lose 16 lbs for this goal, and I will be getting a pair of the Nike +id shoes that I customize. My next goal is the final one. I will either be getting a tattoo, or iPad. Once I get this one, I will make the reward for the next one. That way, I only have small chunks of weight to lose at a time.

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