So, I'm thinking of setting some mini-goals to help me get to my main goal of losing 50 lbs. :shudders: How did I get so far gone?

Anyway, I was wondering if any of you have rewards for your goals? I know my usual wings and beer shouldn't be a reward, and I'm not really a mani/pedi type of girl.

Any advice?

I like to give myself exercise-related goodies: for mini-mini goals, a few new songs for my iPOD. For less-mini goals, a new workout bra or shorts.

Frankly, though, I try to keep the extrinsic motivation / self-bribery to a minimum. I'm after a lifestyle change, and I can't be bribing myself with goodies for the rest of my life. (Hmm, on second thought: maybe I can. )

Kim

I buy myself a gift just like I would do for someone else.Perfume, bubblebath, earrings,DVD,CD, anything but food.

I've planned out a reward for every 10% goal I hit. I.e., a new DVD Boxed set, the Dooney purse I want (for when I move from "Obese" to "Overweight" BMI), and the last one is a vacation with DH. I like the idea of a reward. While I'm making a lifestyle change, it still lets me say "Good job" to myself!

Makeup and clothes!!!!

(I'm SO addicted to lip gloss!)

When I make my initial goal (at this point I'm fairly sure I'm going to re-adjust), I'm getting myself a necklace I've had my eye on for a while. When I make my final goal, I'm going to buy my first pair of designer jeans to show off my new rear!

I reward myself for meeting my monthly goals with trendy, but inexpensive, earrings. Luv the earrings!

I also bribe myself! It was a tactic for keeping myself motivated before I really saw any physical results. After I started seeing how my clothes were fitting better and how I looked different in the mirror, the extrinsic rewards became less motivating than seeing myself change.

I'm a penny pincher, so I rarely buy things for myself. It was a nice excuse to treat myself a little. I went and got myself to a pedicure for my first and only reward.

Kara

Oh I have a whole long thing.

Every 10% loss in body weight has something- be it a haircut at a salon (which is so against my nature it's not even funny) or new knitting supplies. Same goes for monumentous drops in weight (ie 20 pounds, 50 pounds, etc) and changes in BMI level. Each of those is something "big".

If there's too long in between things, I let myself go to Sephora and buy one thing- I normally look and mournfully leave and run to CVS and buy my makeup there. :P

Thanks everyone! Those are some great suggestions and I'm going to work up a list that fits ... "me!" 8-)

Oh I just noticed you're from Marietta! I grew up in Cumming and spent a lot of time in Marietta

Today I had my first reward! I went to Lush and I swear that's the only place that can talk me into buying anything! Went in planning on buying a cleanser, walked out with two cleansers, lip balm, and a toner, plus a free facial mask! :P

I also try to motivate myself with rewards tied to reinforcing good behavior. For example, I bought myself a really cute running skirt as a reward for running in my first half-marathon. It was definitely a bit pricier than most of my other workout wear, but I couldn't wait to get back out on the running path in my new outfit!