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As I’ve said before, one of the best ways to motivate yourself to get stuff done is to give yourself a reward.
I’m also currently reading 12 Rules for Life (an amazing book) written by psychologist Jordan B. Peterson. He says the same thing in the book – it’s important to celebrate yourself and reward a job well done. 😊
Whether you’ve just accomplished a giant goal like losing 100 pounds or a mini-goal of going to the gym for the first time, rewards are a great way to celebrate your accomplishments.
Having said that, if you consistently reward yourself with things like ice cream or expensive shopping trips, you’re going to become very unhealthy, go broke, and/or lose any progress you’ve made if you’re trying to become healthier or save up money.
So, it’s always a good idea to make sure that your reward is something that will make you happy but also keep you going forward.
And today I wanted to share with you 20 healthy and inexpensive ways to reward yourself!
First, how to set up an effective reward system:
- Choose reward levels. – Figure out what your “big goal” is, then break it down into “mini-goals.”
- Choose the rewards. – If you choose to reward yourself for your mini-goals, then pick a smaller reward for them. Then pick a larger reward for each big goal you accomplish.
- Be honest about it. – If you didn’t truly meet your goal yet, don’t give yourself the reward early. This defeats the whole purpose. Be consistent with it, too.
Now, 20 reward ideas:
1. Buy yourself a new book or a healthy cookbook – from a used bookstore, if you want to be extra frugal.
2. Give yourself a lazy day – or a few lazy hours, if you’re a workaholic!
3. Take a hot, relaxing bubble bath with a glass of wine and a good book.
4. Plan a “movie night” with your S.O., friend(s), or by yourself if you’d like!
5. Order your favorite takeout or treat yourself to a night at your favorite restaurant.
6. Go to the beach, to a museum, or another free and entertaining place.
7. Get a facial, a massage, and/or a mani-pedi. Or give yourself an at-home spa day. Pampering yourself is a great reward!
8. Buy yourself some pretty flowers – it’s a great way to say “thank you” to yourself and bright, fresh flowers will make you happy.
9. Buy or make something off of one of your Pinterest boards – you probably have a board devoted to your “wish list” or stuff that you want to DIY, right?
10. Subscribe to one of your favorite magazines.
11. Give yourself permission to take a nap and recharge.
12. Find a jar and put $5-10 in it every time you’ve achieved a goal or mini-goal. Once you have however much you want to be saved up, buy yourself whatever you’re saving for or go on a shopping spree.
13. Get your hair done – try out a new style and/or color.
14. Go to a local play or concert.
15. Allow yourself to sleep in for a morning.
16. Take yourself out to the movies – or bring someone else too, if you want.
17. Take yourself out for coffee, lunch, or dinner – or bring someone else too, if you want.
18. Give back to your community by volunteering, donating to a charity, or helping someone with something.
19. Treat yourself to a creative, handmade item on Etsy.
20. Spend a night in cozy clothes binging your favorite show or YouTuber – with snacks, of course.
What are your favorite ways to reward yourself? Let’s chat in the comments!
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Love this so much.
I like your extensive list. Definitely, there is something to choose for everyone. Thanks!
I love the idea of buying yourself a book from a used bookstore or making yourself a recipe you’ve seen on Pinterest. These are inexpensive ways to reward yourself!
I love your ideas. I tend to get myself a new book but I try to get it at the library. I have so many dang books that I am running out of room. Books bring me pleasure1
Really, all of the above! These are all wonderful ways to reward yourself.
Such a good list. I need to treat myself in many of these ways like out to dinner.
I love your way of thinking about it. The rewarding yourself for the little goals achieved is just as important as rewarding yourself for the big stuff.
These are all great tips. I love subscribing to my fave magazines. It’s like a gift when it arrives at my door
Love all of these ideas, especially #8! I love having fresh flowers in the house and will make a special trip out just to get some since they make me so happy!
These are absolutely amazing ideas! I love taking my power naps and getting facials done at a lovely salon ❤️.
I like to buy flowers ever so often. They look lovely in the home. I do also like movie night with my kids. Those are fun.
Love all your suggestions, especially the lazy day one. You don’t have to do something all the time. Sometimes, all you need is a little rest. Thank you for sharing 🙂
I love your suggestions for rewards. I can see that these would be something I would work toward.
These are all really great and amazing ideas! Thanks for sharing this with us!
I need to save this list and to read it every week. I need to find some time for me!
Such great ideas. I do reward myself from time to time. It’s important.
What a great idea for treating yourself. It is nice to be able to reward yourself and also not spend a lot of money at the same time.