Concept Reward yourself

Self-discipline is among the most valuable lessons a man can learn, right up there with unfastening a bra one-handed. Unfortunately, today’s demanding society insists that we pack more and more into our already grueling, borderline inhumane schedules. As a result, we have become masters of self-discipline by default, leaving our inept fingers to fumble with tricky clasps a while longer.

Despite adhering to strict budgets, onerous diets and nail-biting deadlines, we still hesitate to give ourselves a hearty pat on the back from time to time. But here’s an eye-opening truth: Even prisoners are rewarded for good behaviour. Rewarding yourself is rejuvenating, inspiring and as necessary as alcohol at a family reunion. If you’ve been spread thin lately, your much-deserved reward is overdue. Give your diligence proper recognition and reward yourself with these four steps.

1- Select A Reward That Applies

We’re familiar with the concept that “the punishment should fit the crime.” Well, the flip side of that is also true. Material or experiential, a reward that nourishes a healthy work ethic will feel less like a guilty pleasure and more like a complimentary breakfast. Here’s what we mean: If you’ve been exercising regularly, the seemingly logical reward would be a night or two of blissful sluggishness, maybe a marathon of reruns on the sofa in place of your usual iron-pumping regimen. However, we implore you not to do this.

Why throw away all those reps at the fitness club? Skip the self-destructive route and reward yourself with decent seats at  Twickenham the next time the rugby is on. As soon as you see a group of dedicated athletes at their physical peak, warming up on the pitch, you’ll be motivated to hit the gym like never before. Better yet, give Martin Johnson a ring and see if he’ll join you for a few rounds of golf at the park. Whatever you decide, giving your reward a positive spin ensures that the effort you’ve exerted will not be diminished by a moment of indulgence.

2- Set A Reasonable Budget

Imagine the expression on your friends’ faces when you tell them you’ve just booked a week-long stay at the Four Seasons in Florence. Now imagine the expression on your face when the mortgage company begins repossession proceedings on your home. Catch our drift? Money blown on something frivolous or grandiose sounds way better prior to moving into your parents’ basement. A reward that makes financial sense acts as a stress-reliever in itself and gives you the freedom to live more comfortably before and after you enjoy it.

Of course, it’s OK to splurge a little on your reward -- that’s the point -- but there are plenty of affordable ways to celebrate your achievements. Concerts, museums, galleries, and tourist attractions ignored by locals are popular for a reason, and not just among the deep-pocketed. They stay busy because their visitors can count on frugal thrills of the same calibre as the more expensive hot spots.

3- Commit To It

The completion of a difficult task is too commonly marked by nothing more than a quick sigh of relief, but your sense of accomplishment shouldn’t stop there. Once you’ve picked out a suitable reward, unglue your face from the storefront window and seal the deal. The simple act of committing via an irrevocable action (i.e., a deposit, reservation, etc.) makes you far less likely to postpone your reward indefinitely. Furthermore, a commitment functions much like a promise to yourself. Fulfilling this promise means you are allocating time to recharge your batteries, to appreciate the sacrifices you’ve made and to make an investment in your own happiness.

Sometimes, it’s easier to back out of an obligation if no one is holding you to it, which is why sharing your reward with another person is another solid form of commitment. Your best friend or girlfriend would be a good choice because if you stand them up, you’ll never hear the end of it. On top of that, someone who’s close to you will be supportive of your persistence and grateful for the opportunity to partake in the special occasion.

4- Get Back To Earning It

Once you’ve locked down your reward, get back to the matters at hand. It makes sense to use the reward as incentive to get you through the day-to-day grind, but listen to John Lennon on this one. He said, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans,” and he’s right. If you’re too focused on payday, you won’t be able to concentrate on the here and now, which, let’s face it, is all you truly have. The last thing you want as you redeem your reward is the remorse of knowing you’ve half-arsed it to the finish line. Until the tape breaks, give it your all.

Rewards Keep You Going

If for no other reason, reward yourself in order to keep on keeping on. It's unreasonable to expect yourself to perform well indefinitely, and in order to keep your morale and your brain in top form, give yourself a break.


http://uk.askmen.com/money/body_and_mind_200/233b_4-steps-reward-yourself.html