The Power of the Bribe

[ 13 ] 10/01/2009 | heather

Psssst. Confession time…all this healthy living stuff can be kind of a drag at times. I try to pump myself up by chanting mantras such as ‘Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels’ or ‘You’re not going to die from running’ (though sometimes I question this).

Sometimes, I need to resort to full on bribery.

My problem has always been that I tend to lean toward food (or alcohol) related rewards. Such as, if I do really well this week, we’ll go out for a nice meal. Or I’ll get an ice cream. Or I’ll drink a bottle of wine.

During the 21 Day Challenge a few months back, I decided that as an incentive, I would do something nice for myself if I reached my goal. After much deliberation, I decided on a handmade skirt from Gocks Frocks on Etsy. It was something pretty, something I wouldn’t normally buy for myself. Not too expensive, but a little bit of a splurge. And it was something tangible I could think about when I started getting sidetracked from my health goals.

Did it work?

YES. I lost 4.4 pounds and the skirt came in the mail yesterday. I can’t wait to wear it. Even better? The fact I had to work so hard for it, every time I wear the skirt, it will remind me of the fact that I made a goal and I followed through.

The great thing about non-food rewards is that they can be for any goal, no matter how large or small.You can make mini-goals or dream up a fantastic reward for a long term goal. And they don’t have to be something you spend money on.

Sometimes I make a deal with myself – make it through this run and you can have a long bubble bath while perusing the latest issue of US Weekly The Economist. And simple as that may sound, it is enough to push through my run.

I’ll admit that, yes, being healthy and looking great SHOULD be incentive enough. But sometimes, a little treat for a job well done is the cherry on top.

So, do you reward yourself? What for? What kind of prizes do you lean towards? Are you guilty of the food related bribe? Tell all! I’m hoping to get some new ideas for my next little present to myself!

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Exercise

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Category: Uncategorized

About heather: Thirty-three year old wife, mother, runner and wannabe renaissance woman striving to look and feel even BETTER than she did before babies. View author profile.

BrookeF

after my half marathon (assuming i complete it – and run the whole way) i'm treating myself to an hour long massage. from a real massuse. that won't end after15 minutes with the massuse exploring other…ahem…areas. or with the massuse saying “my hands are tired, i think you're done” 10 minutes in.
http://daisymomto4.blogspot.com/ DaisyJulie

I too struggle with the non-food rewards. My sister was showing me her Pandora bracelet and I loved it. I have decided to buy a new Pandora charm for my milestones. That way I can wear my accomplishments proudly and beautifully!!
tlb81003

I tend to reward myself with food too. With it as a reward I end up going back up on the scale. I need to figure out rewards that don't have anything to do with food. Well, actually, my husband and I have one. If he reaches his short term goal by January 1 and I reach mine (175) then we each get 150 big ones. I need some short term ideas though. I'm looking foward to see what others post.
http://worthfamily.blogspot.com/ Nancy Sabina

I often picture my butt as I run for my incentive to keep going. A jiggley butt is often all the mental picture I need. But if I'm having a really hard day then I'll picture that same toosh, minus 10 pounds or so – in some great jeans. Then I'll mentally accessorize the entire outfit from shoes to earrings. It's not an actual reward yet, I guess – I still have 15 pounds to go before I'll look anything close to what I picture at these moments – but it gets me through! Occassionally I'll even don a mental evening gown. :)
http://thesassymama.blogspot.com Heather

LMAO. Don't you just love the self serving massage? Good for you, a REAL massage is an awesome treat!
BrookeF

i love this idea! it gives you an extra push to keep going and it also distracts you and keeps your mind occupied during the run! :)
TheaDramaMama

This post was just what I needed. I think I'm going to get myself some new iTunes songs!
http://www.babytealeaves.blogspot.com Christie O.

how funny!! i did something like this last year, I wanted to look HOT for my husband's work christmas party (the year before i was a month post-baby and felt horrendous and like i was wearing a tent). so i was determined to buy a smaller dress and that was the picture in my head to keep me going and it worked! i love how you mentally accessorize! Cracking me up!!!
http://www.babytealeaves.blogspot.com Christie O.

darn disqus for eating my comment!

what i SAID was:

i find myself rewarding myself in clothes. if i've worked hard enough, i reward myself by getting a new wardrobe in a smaller size. but this can backfire if you continue to lose weight because you end up with, oh, about three wardrobes. and a really pissed off husband. until, of course, I remind him gently about my weightloss and he remembers how much he likes it himself (even though he was already a gem because he loved me with all my extra beforehand.)
BrookeF

the phrase my friend taught me is: (me speaking to jay) “its just money out of your entertainment budget”
shrinkingjeans

That is such a great idea!! -Melissa
BrookeF

the phrase my friend taught me is: (me speaking to jay) “its just money out of your entertainment budget”
shrinkingjeans

That is such a great idea!! -Melissa