Rewarding Yourself
May 3, 2009 
26 Comments
As you all know, I am a health nut. So my girlfriend had this great idea that this weekend we should do a juice cleanse.
Well, I certainly don’t need to lose any weight (cause if I do, I’ll disappear!). Supposedly, though, it is good for your organs. So a juice fast is what we’re doing.
Everytime I’m drinking this juice, though, I feel like I’m 80 years old and all of my food has been regurgitated into a bottle. When I drank my bottle this morning, I chewed it cause I miss eating food so much. Even Daphne’s doggie chicken sticks were looking pretty appetizing to me.
Anyway, it’s the second day of the juice cleanse. At dinner tonight, I might even drink an extra two ounces and break the rules. Enough about that though. Today we’re going to talk about What do you do to reward yourself? I know the cleanse may not sound like a reward but it makes me think about this today as I dream of food.
What guilty pleasure do you indulge every single day? Or what guilty pleasure do you indulge once a week to reward yourself for the hard work that you’ve done?
What do you do to pat yourself on the back? How do you treat yourself and make yourself feel special?
Some of us are really just waiting for other people to make us feel special. A friend of mine always wanted to go to Greece, and he never did. He was waiting for the right person to come along and go to Greece with him. Finally I looked at him and said, “Why don’t you go to Greece this summer alone? And then when you finally meet the right person, you can go back there together and share the Greece that you learned on your own.”
So what do you do every single day to make yourself feel special? And what do you have planned this year to reward yourself for your hard work?
Is there something that you’ve put off doing alone because you’re waiting for someone else to do it with? What things are you waiting for another person to do?
Let’s hear from you guys today!
I started a lean diet 3 weeks ago- A high protein to carb ratio-
6 days a week for 4 or so meals I eat 100% lean skinless chicken, wild or brown rice, avocado. The vegetables could be substituted, and occasionally I’ll replace the chicken with Steak or fish. I already added 4 pounds and I’m at 172, my goal is to eat healthy to coincide with my workout’s and pack on lean mass.
To reward myself I’ll have 1 cheat day every week. I just now got back from Jack in the Box and had the mini sirloin burgers and MAN was it good- every week I look forward to my Sunday cheat day where I could eat Whatever it is I want, and it feels pretty damn good. I’ll still try and avoid desserts or sugar on this day, but I enjoy every second of the fast food.
Funny once you have kids the type of rewards you give yourself are the ones before kids, you took the most for granted. Now, it’s in the simplest of gifts, I find the greatest enjoyment.
Every day when I have a chance for an hour alone in the morning just in quiet and peace to gather my thoughts, feels like the greatest reward to myself.
Shower by myself, yes laugh but anyone with kids can nod to this one.
Not just for myself, but also for my kids, the most appreciated gift I treasure is that I am almost back to be consciously be able to chose the thoughts that defines me at all levels. Might sound like a no brainer, but at times in your life, even your thoughts are not your own.
Fasting is something I used to enjoy before my kids several times a year, I have given myself the gift again of doing it once a week. This once a week ritual is a great gift of slowing down and focus on less.
Those into cleansing raw food diet will help you there too.
I used to go and get a manicure & pedicure once a week to reward myself for the week’s hard work and because it was something I really enjoyed — but I always felt (and still feel) guilty if I’m doing something “rewarding” when I still have “to do’s” on my “to do” list or work sitting on my desk or the house needs cleaning or there’s errands to run… I feel like I shouldn’t be doing stuff like that until all these other things are finished.
I have NEVER, though, foregone doing something because I didn’t have someone with whom to do it. I wanted to take a caribbean vacation after I finished grad school and had no friends who could or would go — so I went alone … and it’s still arguably the best trip I’ve ever taken. I went out and attended several big seminars all over the country by myself — even though I knew others who said they might want to go “another time.”
I totally agree with David that you should never not do something or go somewhere cause you’re waiting for a certain someone or for any someone else to go with you.
My guilty pleasure is watching tv. I hate doing it, but at the same time I just can’t seem to find an alternate way to zone out and relax that hits the spot in the same way. And as for putting things off… I tend to leave my bed unmade in the morning because I know that if it bugs my mom long enough she’ll go do it. Lame… I know.
Reading this blog is one way I reward myself!
this website tells you how to attract a mate, a date, or friends in general. I am in a family retail business and I always wanted to be a better salesman and most approaches seemed to be too canned. It seems as if being yourself and being in the moment is the best approach to relationships with customers. … because that is what it is all about –relationships, not canned lines or approaches.
one thing I have been trying to do more of is eating healthy and all-natural. Like at Whole Foods! lol
I have tried Noni juice before, supposedly a ‘super juice’ and it is an acquired taste but it did help me get rid of lower back pain a few years ago. Also, I like healthier toothpaste and mouthwash like Tom’s of Maine. I feel a lot healthier and my head feels clearer since I made the switch!
Oh yeah Mr. Wygant, do you have any ‘business products or motivational stuff’? I heard that you used to do that, and I can easily see how your philosophy towards business and motivation is very effective. All about being yourself, in the moment, and completely organic. Nothing prepackaged — kinda like great organic food!
When I land a new job I usually treat myself to dinner and just go shopping who knows I just might take my daughter….I am back….
holy crap, two days just drinking juice??? How long is this torture? Only in LA:-)
Love playing indoor soccer at least once a week.
Love going to the movies with a popcorn and pepsi and seeing several movies in a row…once a month at least:-)
Love being in the air going to a place I have never been before.
Love going back to Greece every summer and swimming in the cleanest water I have seen (except in Tahiti)…My wife will not join me in the nude beach “what will our kids say?” “Let’s bring them along” I say:-)
Love watching my hometown soccer team and joining the crazy fans in the few games we play in Europe.
Love watching my son play soccer.
Love doing things I am not supposed to;-)
Love going to a concert in a small venue and let it all hang out with some obscure loud band most people think they are a bunch of crap.
Love those darn Frappucino type drinks, my favorite is the Javakula ones at Borders.
Love going on a bikeride in my local parks around my house.
I would love to smoke a joint again.
I love selling a stock high after I bought it low for myself and my clients.
I better stop now…At least Sandra is back:-)
Dan, a lover, not a fighter LOL
DTO
Did you miss me oo I was only gone for a few days was visiting relatives okay back to business I have been away from mary jo since 1989. I wish I can quit this smoking cigarettes any suggestions.
Thanks, David, for pointing out that we should love ourselves first.
Whenever I have had a not-so-good day, or when it’s been really great, I reward myself in any way possible: a particularly great hamburger, for example, or my favorite beer, or… I think you get my drift. I don’t like to have a fixated reward -I just go with the flow!
I got into that habit recently, and it definitely makes a difference in how I feel, because no matter how the day turned out, I know I have it in me to change my mood.
I’m a pretty solitary person and have no problem doing things alone around town, such as sitting in a café/restaurant, going to a concert or a movie, etc. In fact I do those things alone on a regular basis and sometimes even prefer it. But I’m hesitant to travel on my own to foreign countries or cities for safety reasons. What if something happened to me and no one were around to help me out?
It’s kind of bugging me right now, as I’d really like to make a trip to Europe this summer to see this once-in-a-lifetime concert, but I’m having trouble convincing people to come with me. Any ideas?
I reward myself by relaxing and basking in the feeling of accomplishment.
Sounds like CeCe needs a bodyguard. Hey, why don’t you put an add up somewhere? Sorta like a personal, and just ask for people to accompany you.
http://www.smokingeverywhere.com
Sandra- that helped me;)
Sandra – I come from a family of smokers and could personally take it or leave it. But I have been watching a work friend diagnosed with COPD over a year ago try to get strong enough to qualify for a place on the lung transplant list. Then two weeks ago my cousin spent a night in the hospital for a battery of tests only to be told that he has COPD (emphysema). He may not be as sick as my work friend, but he threw his cigarettes away and got some nicotine patches…in the meantime, he is trying to figure out when to eat and not eat based on what his various medications require (being taken with or without food).
It’s easy to let people who have never smoked or never liked it criticize you but in the end, you have to do it for yourself and no one else. You will never be successful at quitting until you have a vision of how you want to be in your future for yourself. Then you need to seek whatever help that you require – doctor, minister, support group, therapist, prayer, whatever. If you can’t quit now, how about cutting back? It’s probably the best gift that you can give yourself – more time with better quality. Quitting smoking is like exercise: it’s never too late and the effects are cumulative. The sooner that you start, the sooner your body will benefit. Treat yourself to a better life.
K
Thanks…One of my relatives has COPD and she is on oxygen today at her election. My granddad died of lung cancer back in 1979. I would like to quit before I am fifty years old. I have tried the patch but they wont stay on my arms and they happen to break me out and I can not chew the gum for my partials. Did you know I go 7 1/2 hours for five to six days without smoking can you imagine walking up to a cashier with a cigarette in their mouth checking you out. Also I chew tic tacs and that seems to help. Thank you for your advice I really appreciate it.
CeCe
Why don’t you go alone if you can’t find someone if it’s a once in a lifetime concert.
Sandra,
My late husbands sister smoked for 50 years and tried numerous ways of quitting and nothing helped. This year she got Chantix and she just quit it right there. I don’t know what this does to you but it was amazing that she was able to quit successfully. Maybe something to talk with your doctor with.
A nice joint at the end of the day alone or in a nearby house, assuming you dont mind waking up late, always does it for me.
Sandra:
I always found reducing your daily amount of cigarettes by 5% each week, or until you’re ready, to be more effective than hypnosis/cold turkey etc.
Ive cut down quite a bit since september
There are several things I do to treat myself (buying a good bottle of wine, going clothes shopping, taking a weekend trip out-of-town), but they often feel bittersweet because I’m enjoying them on my own rather than with a date/girlfriend. Still, I’ve been able to find the happiness of enjoying my own company with some of these activities.
And then, there are some things I would never do alone, and I’m not sure why (feeling ashamed about being alone?). I’ve never spent a day cooking a great meal for myself, though I love doing it for friends or dates. I’ve never eaten a nice dinner out alone or gone to a movie theater alone. Maybe because I associate those night-time activities with dating, and I’d feel self-conscious about being there by myself.
Hey people in the dating world lol, im goin to lanzarotte in july for 2 weeks with my bro n a female friend
its gona amazing, im gona chat everyone n build huge social proof n flirt outragiously oh yea!! i love two and a half men aswell great show!!! oh and guys when ur on holiday with ur wife or girlfriend on the beach soakin the sun remember this men arent the only ones wearin sun glasses and lookin at the sexy women, women do it aswell watch em.. women do it smoother guys lol ha ha ha… peace out baby!!
I like to reward myself by doing allowing myself to do something new all the time. I think the moment you try something new… whether it’s a bar, a club, a restaurant, a class… is the simplest joys you can get without going bankrupt.
Of course, I’m still looking at my next overseas trip is my “big” reward sometimes soon!
for the DW confessional: one of my favorite personal rewards is forking out for a UFC PPV event guilt-free! I know – it’s expensive and it’s not supposed to be a chick-thing but it really is fun to watch and there is NO other sport with such a great of sense of sportsmanship among the participants.
These days the rewards are pretty simple – unlike years ago when life was too damn complicated and dramatic for its own good. I like a venti caramel macchiato or vanilla frapaccino when I survive a hard week or gain a small victory. And maybe a little Thai or surf-and-turf (steak and shrimp or crab cake) with my buds to celebrate nothing more than the camaraderie that we share. Life is good and always worth celebrating just on principle.
>>>>>>>>one of my favorite personal rewards is forking out for a UFC PPV event…
What, no kung-fu movies!
Reece,
Thanks for the humor. Yeah, the more I think about it, the more it seems like a good idea to go alone. I’m even starting to find the idea kind of exciting.
DTO – Nah, I’m actually more into sci-fi, but that’s a whole other subject.
>>>>>>I’m even starting to find the idea kind of exciting.
Travel is exciting! The thrill of taking off and going to a land where you have never been before, the experience of soaking in living in an entirely different culture, the “moments” you get for being in a place you had only seen on pictures before, the inherent thrill of “danger” of taking off and being in a land where you stick out. Just do your research, use kayak.com for fares, tripadvisor.com for hotel reviews, buy a lonelyplanet travel guide and ask pointed questions at the specific travel forums on flyertalk.com….What are you waiting for??