Adults, Get a Sticker Chart
A few weeks ago, I was scrolling through TikTok and came across a video of a girl motivating herself to complete tasks she’d been putting off by giving herself a sticker. When she accumulates 30 stickers, she gives herself a prize, aka, buying something off her wishlist. As someone who sometimes struggles to do basic care tasks and has an impulse buying problem (especially when stressed), I was immediately intrigued. A system that rewards you for completing tasks and helps curb impulsive online shopping — what could be better?
Naturally, the no-fun mature side of my brain immediately chimed in. “You’re 21 years old, Helena,” it said in the squeaky, nagging voice that could only come from an adult who’s lost all sense of childhood wonder. “You’re an adult. You shouldn’t need stickers to get things done.”
With a little encouragement from my boyfriend, I kindly told the buzzkill adult voice to shut up, and took a trip to Hobby Lobby. I found a little checkered notebook among the myriad of cheesy-phrased, sparkly notebooks meant for middle-aged white women (no offense to middle-aged white women, I wish I had as much time to craft and browse Hobby Lobby as they do). Luckily for me, stickers were on sale. I picked up a couple sheets of plant and farm animal stickers and went on my way.
I designated the rules: which tasks could earn me a sticker and which things I could buy with a completed chart — and only with a completed chart. If I work out? I get a sticker. If I cook a real meal? Another sticker. All the things that take a lot of effort to do but are ultimately good for my wellbeing.
The first day, I had already gotten one sticker, a watering can, for having an emotional, vulnerable conversation. The next day, I took a shower and gave myself a little duck. He was adorable. I could practically feel the serotonin rushing to my brain as I placed him beside number 2. I got stickers! I was doing it!
Unsurprisingly, the condescending substitute teacher voice came back. “Why are you so excited? They’re little pieces of plastic.”
This time, I had the resolve to tell the voice to shut up all on my own. I had gotten two cute stickers. Not only that, I had earned them. I was proud of myself. It felt like progress.
Now, the buzzkill voice in my head might disagree, but I love my sticker chart. It’s the most tangible act of self care that I’ve done in a while, and has even kept me from buying unnecessary things off the internet on a whim. Maybe it is a tad childish, but it’s working. I already have six stickers. And I love my little duck man. He reminds me that I deliberately took care of myself, and for that, I’ll unashamedly express my excitement.
Adults who struggle with care tasks and self care, get a sticker chart. Make it fun. Reward yourself for unfun things. We may not be toddlers, but we deserve good things too.
