Challenges come in all shapes and sizes. Some repeat themselves, while others feel similar but are different. Regardless of how many times I’ve been through something similar, they still make me nervous and hesitant. However, as I mentioned in my previous post, I try to encourage myself to jump into them.
As I pondered how to write this post, while analysing the entire process from facing a challenge, to doubting my abilities and panicking, to finally convincing myself to take action because I was certain I would survive, I noticed a missing step in my motivational journey: the “reward.”
I’ve come to the awful realisation that throughout my life, I’ve mostly forgotten about the little extra prize for showing bravery by taking that leap forward, sideways, or backward – to stretch out the so-called “comfort zone.”
I know you might think life isn’t easy and that you need to toughen up from a young age to survive the real, inhuman, and competitive world. But my friend, wouldn’t you like a little celebration and a pat on the back for your newly found bravery and achievement? Because I really would like it. A LOT. All the time.
I’ve become so accustomed to thinking of “surviving from jumping” as the final step of the equation that I overlooked the possibility of another Hello Kitty backpack. Of course, that time was a surprise offer, but from now on, I’ve decided to always reward myself for my efforts. Even if my actions are overlooked by others due to external circumstances, I want to ensure that I’m there for myself.
And what kind of rewards, you may ask? For me, these can range from tangible, everyday things like “If I overcome this challenge I’ve been avoiding, I’ll treat myself to a whole strawberry cake,” to more abstract rewards like time to rest, a safe and healthy environment, or anything else I can imagine. It’s like a form of manifesting exercise. The thought of having it makes me actively seek it out, and from my few experiences of remembering to ask for my reward, I’ve found that I mostly always get them.
So, next time you face a challenge, what will you ask for as a reward?
Note: avoid succumbing to the temptation of asking for and eating too many strawberry cakes if losing weight is one of your challenges.
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