Daria’s  Perspective

The Importance of Rewards

By Daria Campbell

In my last article, I spoke about the importance of setting goals. This month I want to talk about what happens after you reach your goals. People tend to hit their goals and then just check them off the list but there is a real importance to taking the time to celebrate your accomplishment no matter how small it is.  If it was important enough for you to put it on a goals list then it is important enough to reward yourself.

We have been taught in society that it is not good to focus on yourself and to try to put others needs first. For instance, as a Mother, I would celebrate my daughter’s accomplishments all the time but not celebrate my own.  Why?  Because I was proud of her yes but also because my accomplishments did not seem as important or could wait until later to be celebrated. The problem is that later may never come.

People need to toot their own horns and pat themselves on the back a bit more. Not in excess obviously, but what happens when you take the time to recognize your goal has been met?  It anchors that feeling into your psyche, so it makes you want to put down a new goal and accomplish it for the feelings again. This is wonderful because you will always keep growing and shooting for the stars.

But please do take the time to reward yourself. That reward can be any size you like and take any form. There are many blogs out there in cyberspace on a number of ways to reward yourself if you are coming up blank.  Just google “how to reward yourself”. I have a list, but I go back and look all the time because I love other people’s ideas of great rewards, some are really creative.

In conclusion here is my favourite quote from, Through The Looking Glass, by Lewis Carroll.

“The Unicorn looked dreamily at Alice, and said, “Talk, child.” Alice could not help her lips curling up into a smile as she began: “Do you know, I always thought Unicorns were fabulous monsters, too! I never saw one alive before!” “Well, now that we have seen each other,” said the Unicorn, “if you’ll believe in me, I’ll believe in you. Is that a bargain?” “Yes, if you like,” said Alice.”

If no one else says it to you, I believe in you. Now go and accomplish your goals and get your rewards!