When people set out on a mission to get something accomplished, they  have some sort of reward system that they use as motivation. I use reward systems all the time. I have limited eating out. I haven’t set any numbers specifically, but i have learned that i will cut out all fast food choices if i decide to get sushi on the weekend. Why do people do this though? What makes us set up reward systems in the first place?

If you don’t go shopping for three weeks, you give yourself permission to buy that one outfit you’ve been wanting. If you get up everyday this week at 6a.m., you will reward yourself by sleeping in on Saturday and Sunday (some people this is not an option, but you get my point). Reward systems are similar to task lists or goals list or “keeping on track.” If you folow everything on your task list you will then reward yourself with free time to do other things. Sometimes the reward system is just a derivative of following a goal.

So what am i trying to say? I know that reward systems work on many different levels. From work, to family, and even school. So don’t try changing the game, set up reward system to accomplish a goal. You want to save up money for that vacation you have wanted to take for years? Instead of going on weekend adventures with friends, eating out every weekend, spending money on new gadgets and clothes; save that money for 3 months and you now are able to take that week long cruise you have wanted.

I don’t believe reward systems work to solve every problem, but observation has proven that for most situations, you just need a little motivation.