REWARDS
THE SKILL OF REWARDING YOURSELF

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MAKE IT A BENEFICIAL REWARD!

As noted in The Great Motivator: Believed Payoffs, we learn that some things have more costs than payoffs and that the anticipated payoffs don't turn out quite like we thought.  Well, it is time to learn that, now and forever, so that we can use rewards that are truly rewards, with long term benefits in addition to rewarding ourselves for something well done.

However, be sure to consider the more intangible, gratifying type of rewards, such as a feeling of accomplishment, vividly seeing the final accomplishment of a goal (that hasn't been accomplished yet), being proud of oneself.


PICK FROM THESE LISTS

Make your list (and keep it in an accessible place, such as in your Reminders Notebook) from your fun and what I like to do lists:

Self-Soothing, \Self-Nurturing 
Emotional Deposits And Withdrawals
Activities, Their Value
From the Relationship section, Loving: List of Ideas For Caring Behaviors

Of course, the rewards can include:

A CD, any small gift
A movie out, a visit with a cup of java to a bookstore
A (nutritious) dinner out, dancing, a play
Play a game, Scrabble, Brainiac...
A visit to nature, a friend, family
A rejuvenation day
Saying Yes! and dancing around (exaggerated but still reinforcing)
Exercising, running
Reading a good book

Or fill out the entire form, including activities, in My Ideal Life Workbook.
It is useful, although this may be for bigger rewards, plus it is fun to visit the Dreams and Visions section, especially the Dream Book.


SPECIFY THE SPECIFIC REWARD, BEFORE DOING THE ACTIVITY

You can use the three page Goals/Obstacles Planning Form or simply write the specific reward down next to the activity.  


MY MORE INTANGIBLE REWARDS

Nothing is more valuable than self esteem and/or self confidence, the knowing that you are a certain way and can do what you really want to in life. 

Sense of accomplishment
Proud of oneself, one's accomplishment
Recognition from oneself (or a specified other)
Sense of competency
Sense of gaining a new skill or learning something new (especially something of
    great value)
Successfully demonstrating one's skills, abilities, knowledge, and/or wisdom
.....

RELATED READINGS

The Great Motivator: Believed Payoffs - Learning what is actually not a payoff and what really is!

What Are My Actual, Real Rewards? What Are My Believed Rewards That Aren't Rewards? - A vital distinction to learn before living the rest of your life!