What is your reward system to stay motivated?

Kada487
Kada487 Posts: 4 Member
edited November 29 in Motivation and Support
Hi everyone, sometimes I find it hard to stay motivated and was thinking of putting in place a reward system so I had something physical to look forward to and to aim for on the days I’m unmotivated
Any ideas? And if you do this.. what to you do? :) x

Replies

  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/818701/the-myth-of-motivation-and-what-you-need-instead/p1

  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,687 Member
    Losing weight is pretty motivating.

    But yeah, it's more about habit.
  • MsBaz2018
    MsBaz2018 Posts: 384 Member
    What @machka9 said.

    Physical rewards: I have clothes from my current size (14) to size 8 in my closet so being able to see pants or shirts button that didn't before is very rewarding.
  • My_Butt
    My_Butt Posts: 2,300 Member
    I buy a new manga every Saturday, and then I add a new character to my Halloween sleeve at the end of each month.
  • Kada487
    Kada487 Posts: 4 Member
    Thank you all for your replies!!

    I found something simple online

    2jars: in one is a colourful stone for every 1lb you want to loose
    The other jar is empty, each one you loose you put into the other jar.

    I have quite a way to go so doing it stone by stone seems best

    But having read your replies there’s definitely a few things I’m going to be keeping in my back pocket for later on when I want to mix it up a little. Thank you!! :) x
  • My_Butt
    My_Butt Posts: 2,300 Member
    I
    Kada487 wrote: »
    Thank you all for your replies!!

    I found something simple online

    2jars: in one is a colourful stone for every 1lb you want to loose
    The other jar is empty, each one you loose you put into the other jar.

    I have quite a way to go so doing it stone by stone seems best

    But having read your replies there’s definitely a few things I’m going to be keeping in my back pocket for later on when I want to mix it up a little. Thank you!! :) x

    I always found its better to reward yourself after a great week of healthy eating, and getting in all of your workouts. This way, you’re focusing on creating the habit necessary for a healthy lifestyle.
    We’ve all hit plateaus when losing weight and it becomes frustrating causing some to throw in the towel. And I’ve found that I can even do a workout program for 2 months, lose a lot of inches, but gain 5lbs.

    When at a higher body fat percentage, it’s okay (for now) to do this with pounds lost, but you must remember that losing weight doesn’t build healthy habits. I mean, look at eating disorders; they can lose weight and are nowhere near healthy.
  • Mouse_Potato
    Mouse_Potato Posts: 1,513 Member
    My reward is in the mirror. Honestly, there is nothing I can buy myself that makes me happier than results.
  • bigbandjohn
    bigbandjohn Posts: 769 Member
    My reward is a pair of Levi 501 jeans. Sounds silly, but I set a goal to get into a pair of jeans. I bought them and have them hanging in my closet, next to a shirt I don't fit in yet. It's a reminder that I have come so far. I also have one old outfit next to them. When I look at the old, I realize how far I've come.
  • DaisyHamilton
    DaisyHamilton Posts: 575 Member
    bigbandjohn wrote: »
    My reward is a pair of Levi 501 jeans. Sounds silly, but I set a goal to get into a pair of jeans. I bought them and have them hanging in my closet, next to a shirt I don't fit in yet. It's a reminder that I have come so far. I also have one old outfit next to them. When I look at the old, I realize how far I've come.

    I've done that too! My Levi's 525s. I bought a size or 2 smaller than my usual and once every couple of weeks I try them on. They go on now, and button!, and they're still too small be be comfortable for every day wear.
  • chockfullofmoxie
    chockfullofmoxie Posts: 4 Member
    edited October 2018
    I’m a snacker and something that’s been motivating to me is finishing out my diary and seeing if I continue today’s track how much I would lose. Since starting this I’ve only gone over one day my allotment once. I didn’t work out to get my daily “snack”.
  • hroderick
    hroderick Posts: 756 Member
    Getting new smaller clothes and giving away old larger ones. I like getting the new ones a bit small and feel successful when it is time for them to go to goodwilll. For my birthday next June, I should be at my bmi healthy midpoint goal weight and plan to go sky diving. I'm below the maximum sky dive weight already, but really, is that something you want to do at maximum allowable weight? I'll also plan some scuba vacations next year. I got certified at over 300 lb a couple years back but had to wear a 40 lb weight belt in order to sink. A lot of things are getting a lot easier to do, like clip my toenails, and that is motivating.
  • RelCanonical
    RelCanonical Posts: 3,882 Member
    I made a list of things that I've wanted but could never justify actually getting. Every 5 pounds, I can get one of those things. Non-food treats, basically. I wouldn't say they're what keep me going, but they do help me acknowledge that I have made progress (I have a tendency to not reward myself for a job well done, self-esteem issues yadda yadda).
  • yayamom3
    yayamom3 Posts: 939 Member
    My sunglasses were in terrible shape. I bought a new, awesome pair. But I made myself earn them. Having them at home, on the shelf, staring at me was really motivating. When I reached my current 10-lb mini goal, I could take them off the shelf to wear them. I hit that goal this morning! Going to be stylin' on the drive home tonight! B) Now I'm trying to think of what I'll buy to reward myself for the next 10 lbs.
  • Carneyje3
    Carneyje3 Posts: 48 Member
    I've been thinking of putting in a reward system as well, but instead of based around goals having it based around habit. For example, I hate my current headphones and would like to buy a new nice pair. If I stick to my gym schedule, caloric schedule, and over all routine for a full month I will get them for myself.

    I think for my long term goals to succeed, it's more important I reward consistency with habits as opposed to results.
  • 73CL350
    73CL350 Posts: 259 Member
    Carneyje3 wrote: »
    I've been thinking of putting in a reward system as well, but instead of based around goals having it based around habit. For example, I hate my current headphones and would like to buy a new nice pair. If I stick to my gym schedule, caloric schedule, and over all routine for a full month I will get them for myself.

    I think for my long term goals to succeed, it's more important I reward consistency with habits as opposed to results.


    I picked up some headphones yesterday and I already love them ! You won't regret it
  • TeresaW1020
    TeresaW1020 Posts: 3,231 Member
    TavistockToad wrote: »
    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/818701/the-myth-of-motivation-and-what-you-need-instead/p1

    Fantatic post!! :)

    I don't really do rewards because for me they don't seem to work. Otherwise, I would already have that fantastic wardrobe that my husband promised I could buy whenever I hit the goal weight I can be happy with. What works for me is seeing progress and pushing myself towards more progress. Today, I bought a pair of jeans in a size 16 from the regular section of the store and not in the plus side of the store. That is what keeps me going!! B)
  • OHFlamingo
    OHFlamingo Posts: 239 Member
    edited October 2018
    Just losing the weight and fitting into some of the items in the the pile of clothes I have waiting for me to get back to my normal size is reward enough for me this time around! I do occasionally buy something I really want to wear in a size or two smaller than I can wear now. But I have plenty of clothes waiting for me in my closet!
  • jo_nz
    jo_nz Posts: 548 Member
    I'm really liking these ideas - I have just made myself a list of weights and rewards on my way to goal. I think writing it down made it feel more "real" than just the thinking about it I have been doing.

    Also putting in a few non-scale ones (I've just started a 9-week program, so a couple related to that, as well as hitting some distance milestones on my new bike).
  • MyFreakingNameIsScott
    MyFreakingNameIsScott Posts: 199 Member
    This may not help but as a coach, extrinsic rewards aren’t terribly helpful for the long haul. The reward for executing is feeling good whether it’s helping score a point, scoring a point, or simply achieving a personal goal. Intrinsic value always outlasts extrinsic rewards and it’s better for maintaining long term habits.
  • Evelyn_Gorfram
    Evelyn_Gorfram Posts: 706 Member
    edited October 2018
    I have a whole long list of rather silly scale-based goals:

    When I lose three more pounds, I will weigh 289, which is 17 squared. I haven't thought of a proper prize for that, so it will just probably amuse me.

    One pound below that, and I'll be halfway through the "mordibly obese" weight range. I'm celebrating that by buying some Deadman's Reach coffee and an accompanying "Served in Bed Raises the Dead" coffee mug.

    The next big reward comes at 285, where my BMI will be exactly 42. I'm going to get my full geek on and buy myself the coolest towel I can find. ;)

    278 is the next biggie: that's how far my last weight long journey took me before being very badly Overtaken By Events. Not sure what I'm going to do for that - it's a big one for me.

    I won't bore you with the whole rest of the list, but highlights include:

    264 - BMI = 39. I plan to (re-)watch and/or re-read "The 39 Steps."

    250 - halfway to goal, and also the weight on my driver's license(!). Haven't decided how to celebrate yet.

    233 - 13th Fibonacci number (e.g. a total math-geek-out number). I plan to do something elegantly proportionate.

    220 - Voltage used by heavy duty household appliances in the US. I plan to do something (non-electrically) shocking.

    204 - BMI = 30. There are 30 of Bach's Goldberg Variations. I plan to buy myself the Glenn Gould CD.

    199 - I plan to buy ten things that cost $1.99

    188 - Goal. Not sure yet, but it's gonna be good. :):):)


  • jo_nz
    jo_nz Posts: 548 Member
    Evelyn_Gorfram wrote: »
    I have a whole long list of rather silly scale-based goals:

    When I lose three more pounds, I will weigh 289, which is 17 squared. I haven't thought of a proper prize for that, so it will just probably amuse me.

    One pound below that, and I'll be halfway through the "mordibly obese" weight range. I'm celebrating that by buying some Deadman's Reach coffee and an accompanying "Served in Bed Raises the Dead" coffee mug.

    The next big reward comes at 285, where my BMI will be exactly 42. I'm going to get my full geek on and buy myself the coolest towel I can find. ;)

    278 is the next biggie: that's how far my last weight long journey took me before being very badly Overtaken By Events. Not sure what I'm going to do for that - it's a big one for me.

    I won't bore you with the whole rest of the list, but highlights include:

    264 - BMI = 39. I plan to (re-)watch and/or re-read "The 39 Steps."

    250 - halfway to goal, and also the weight on my driver's license(!). Haven't decided how to celebrate yet.

    233 - 13th Fibonacci number (e.g. a total math-geek-out number). I plan to do something elegantly proportionate.

    220 - Voltage used by heavy duty household appliances in the US. I plan to do something (non-electrically) shocking.

    204 - BMI = 30. There are 30 of Bach's Goldberg Variations. I plan to buy myself the Glenn Gould CD.

    199 - I plan to buy ten things that cost $1.99

    188 - Goal. Not sure yet, but it's gonna be good. :):):)


    This has got to be the best list I have ever seen.
    And also, coffee as a reward - why didn't I think of that? Or there is a roastery near me that does tours which could be fun.
  • WilmaValley
    WilmaValley Posts: 1,092 Member
    Skinny jeans!
  • kdbulger
    kdbulger Posts: 396 Member
    I've rewarded myself a few times for my hard work and success, but it hasn't been planned. My biggest one so far was a lululemon sweater because I always loved my LLL sweaters before I got too big to wear their size range.

    Other than that, my best strategy has been to work out because then I have extra wiggle room for indulgences day by day. I'll have one "treat meal" or item per week, the same day as my weigh-in. So that day we might get pizza or fast food, or I'll get a giant chocolate croissant or something.

    Other than that, I find the best reward is just seeing the changes in my body, the scale, and my abilities. There hasn't been anything more valuable or tangible to me that matters.
  • twatson4936
    twatson4936 Posts: 121 Member
    There is a gourmet cupcake place close to work. If I am good for two weeks and I have exercised so I have some extra calories I go and get a cupcake, today it was a pumpkin spice cupcake, 330 calories. I still have over 1200 to eat for dinner. :-)
  • Jennloella
    Jennloella Posts: 2,286 Member
    getting stronger is a reward for me. Each time I increase weight on any lift I'm stoked and satisfied.
  • jaynee7283
    jaynee7283 Posts: 160 Member
    In general rewards don't work for me - I give up and get easily frustrated after just a few weeks of not earning the reward. This time around, I'm getting serious about losing weight, but I'm also doing it in a completely different way. No longer am I telling myself I can't have that oreo, that ice cream, that chocolate. In the past I've tried to say NEVER AGAIN only to fail and stuff my gourd with as many sweets as I can. Result? In September I hit the highest weight I've ever been.

    This time around, if I want the stupid oreo, I have it. If I want the piece of chocolate - I have it! This way I don't overindulge down the line and end up in the cycle of defeat. Eating an oreo is not a FAILURE now, whereas that's how I saw it before.

    And the result is that I've lost 15 pounds in five weeks. I am doing low-carb (50-100 a day MAX) and sticking to 1200-1500 per day. My main reward is each day I succeed in sticking to those ranges.

    But I am giving myself one tangible reward this time around - but it's for a BIG goal, not a small one. I'm giving myself the winnings from HealthyWage if I reach the goal I set today: 30 pounds in the next 6 months. I did the bet at HealthWage because by then I'll need some new clothes, and the $450+ I'd win would allow me to get some.
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