The Power of Self-Rewarding
The year is drawing closer to an end with each passing day… However, the goals are not being completed at the same pace whatsoever. Implementing a self-rewarding practice might inject a fresh dose of motivation, helping to accelerate the progress towards achieving these goals.
If you believe that productivity techniques are robotic and lack humanity at their core, let me introduce you to a practice that I try to follow. It connects your deep-seated need for recognition with the work you have to complete, thereby naturally fueling your motivation. Enter the practice of self-rewarding — a powerful tool for stress management, achieving more, and getting used to planning. If you use gadgets every day, you’ll understand how setting them up once can significantly improve your productivity forever. Discover more in The Lazy Way to Productivity.
The Science Behind
According to an article on BetterUp, self-rewarding is not just a feel-good practice; it has scientific backing. When you reward yourself, dopamine levels in your brain increase. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps us feel happy, increases memory retention, and regulates mood. This surge in dopamine reinforces specific behaviors as worthwhile, making you more productive and content.
Knowing that a reward awaits you can serve as a powerful motivator to complete tasks, reducing procrastination. This anticipation also sharpens your focus, helping you concentrate better on the task at hand. Furthermore, the allure of the reward serves as a natural deterrent against distractions, such as aimlessly scrolling through social media. Over time, this practice of self-rewarding becomes a regular part of your routine, providing a consistent boost to your self-confidence.
A List of Rewards
A handout from Bowdoin College provides an extensive list of self-reward ideas. These range from free rewards like enjoying a bubble bath, to entertainment rewards like going to a comedy club, to food rewards like treating yourself to your favorite pastry.
Free rewards, like spending quality time with a friend or family member who lifts your spirits, offer emotional enrichment. For those who seek joy through experiences, entertainment rewards such as attending a concert or visiting a comedy club can be incredibly fulfilling. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, travel and outdoor rewards like going on a hike alone or with friends can be both invigorating and calming. Food rewards could be as simple as ordering from that gourmet pizza place you love while you code. For a touch of luxury and self-care, consider rewards like getting a manicure or pedicure. And if you’re the type who finds joy in acquisitions, shopping rewards such as buying a new app or a bouquet of fresh flowers could be just the ticket.
If you already have a Wishlist, consider using it as a starting point for your list of self-rewards. A Wishlist often contains items or experiences that you’ve been longing for, making it a natural source of inspiration for rewards that will truly motivate you. By tapping into your Wishlist, you’re not just picking random rewards; you’re choosing things that already have personal significance. This makes the self-rewarding process more personalized and meaningful, thereby increasing its effectiveness as a motivational tool.
Key Takeaways
I am excited to announce that I have completed the creation of a personalized T3 Method guide. This guide is designed to improve your Time Management skills and help you achieve More by doing Less. The guide features comprehensive and enjoyable practices that are tailored to your specific needs. I received a lot of positive feedback on the practice of self-rewarding. It usually goes in first week of the guide and suitable for most of the people. Surprisingly, even people who are generally warm and positive had not used this practice in the past. If you feel interested in such guide — drop me a message in LinkedIn. I will be happy to help you. These are five main takeaways you can get from the article:
- Humanizing Productivity: The practice of self-rewarding adds a human element to time management and productivity, linking your need for recognition with your work tasks.
- Scientific Backing: Self-rewarding isn’t just a feel-good activity; it’s supported by science. The release of dopamine in your brain reinforces positive behaviors and boosts your mood.
- Combat Procrastination: The anticipation of a reward can be a strong motivator, helping you complete tasks and reduce procrastination.
- Enhanced Focus: Knowing that a reward is on the horizon can help you concentrate better and stay focused on your tasks.
- Routine Building: Over time, self-rewarding becomes a regular part of your life, consistently boosting your self-confidence.
If you need more humanized approach in your productivity journey read How I overcame after-COVID burnout at Remote Work. Here you’ll find well-being practices that have stood the test of time and been validated through my personal experience.
