Reward system for weight loss and fitness

Most of us are extremely motivated by rewards, and rewards can be beneficial to your weight loss and fitness success. I have been using rewards for most of my life but failed to realize the true power of them until I took the time to reflect on what all I have accomplished because of them.

I will give you an example of how I recently used rewards and then I will give you some ideas as to how you can achieve your weight loss and fitness goals by using them.

I was on a mountain bike ride and really desired to quit after just a few miles. I knew that I needed the cardiovascular workout to complete my weekly goals. I told myself that if I finished the ride I would reward myself that night with a glass of wine. I really enjoy a glass of wine and this was a positive motivator for me. I thought of the glass of wine every time I wanted to take an exit off the trail. I finished my ride and felt great! That night I enjoyed my glass of wine. Currently I am going one month without coffee and when I make it, I am going to reward myself with one of those fancy $3.00 cups of coffee from our local coffeehouse.

Not only did I enjoy a great glass of wine – I registered a success in my subconscious mind. Success breeds success. When you set and achieve weight loss and fitness goals it becomes easier to keep succeeding. On the other hand – when you set unachievable goals – you register failure in your mind.

What are some ways you can use the reward system to help you achieve your weight loss and fitness goals?

What is your favorite meal? Make a deal with yourself that if you stick with your eating plan for the entire week – you will enjoy your favorite meal on Sunday. Perhaps and Ice Cream cone will motivate you to stick with your diet all week. The point is to find something that really motivates you that won’t be so destructive to your health.

Stick with your exercise program for a complete month and reward yourself with a massage. Every time you think about missing a workout because you are tired – think of how great the massage will feel. Cut out your massage therapist’s advertisement out of the phone book and tape it to your exercise equipment or refrigerator.

It goes without saying that if you reward yourself without carrying through with your end of the deal – you certainly won’t enjoy it as much and you will register a failure in your mind. That ice cream cone is going to taste so much better when you have paid for it with more than money – you have paid for it with commitment – and that feels good!

What motivates you and excites you? Perhaps it is something as simple as seeing a movie, enjoying a favorite meal, buying a new purse or outfit, or some other indulgence. Perhaps you want to think more long-term and treat yourself to a vacation for 6 months worth of discipline. What if you made a deal with yourself – If I pack my lunch for the next six months, (rather than eating out) I will spend a weekend at the beach or perhaps Vegas? You will probably save enough money by packing your lunch to pay for the trip!

Think about what motivates you and then think about what challenges you. What is the hardest thing for you to do to achieve your weight loss and fitness goals? Is it the exercise or is it the eating? Now- what do you find easy to do? What do you look forward to doing so much that you are willing to bribe yourself with a sacrifice to do it? Find a way to make your motivations strengthen your challenges. This can be a very powerful tool to help you reach your weight loss and fitness goals. Take is seriously and give it much thought – You will be much better off a year from now by using rewards to help you live a healthy life.

Wishing you the best of health,
Bill Herren
www.weightloss-articles.com

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