Reward Systems are Great if You Use Them Correctly

Life is full of tasks and to-do lists. These lists seem like they never end and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed.

Every day, I start with the to-do list I prepare every night mentally or on a notepad. I don’t relax until these 2–3 tasks are complete and it’s worked wonders.

My reward system is either watching Netflix, playing video games, or binge-watching YouTube videos. Starting with leisure can be a productivity killer because there’s no momentum involved.

Many people deal with relaxation guilt — the feeling of guilt when you want to take a break and do what you want to instead of what you should do.

Begin Your Day With Your Tasks

After a morning routine, it’s in your best interest to start attacking the things you know you need to accomplish. My daily routine typically looks like this:

• Wake up
• Drink a glass of water
• Take the dog for a walk/run
• Accomplish work
• Write
• Relax.

It’s not a sexy routine by any means, but it’s a routine that allows me to get the most out of my entire day. The reward system in place is saved for the end of the to-do list because it gives me something to look forward to.

Kayla Matthews from Facile Things says:

When you look forward to things, your productivity increases and your overall happiness goes through the roof.

It goes through the roof because you have an endgame. Without a purpose for doing things, there’s no motivation.

Olympic athletes reward themselves with one cheat meal a week.

You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to find something that gives you something you can look forward to.

How to Create Your Reward System

Creating your own reward system doesn’t have to break the bank.

A lot of the free things in life are often the most relaxing ways to de-stress and unwind. Especially with Covid happening, most of the things I do nowadays are simple and free.

Decide what excites you!

Is it a bowl of ice cream from the local ice cream parlor?

Is it three episodes of The Office?

Is it a night drive through the city?

Whatever it is that puts you in a good mood can be at the heart of your reward system. It just has to come after everything you accomplish.

I’ve flipped the reward system and it doesn't work. Starting the day with relaxation leads to slow momentum and then laziness. It’s hard to stay motivated once you do the things you would have otherwise looked forward to.

Final Thought

Reward systems can take you from being someone who dreads the daily grind to someone who looks forward to everything as a challenge.

The most successful people have a healthy work-life balance and have all their priorities straight.

It’s never too late to get it all together and make a difference. Do you have a reward system in place? I’d love to know!