Developing a reward system!

[Hardlookcap]

Ironically, I studied psychology and science in college for 5 years. Never finished. So not only do I struggle myself but I am armed with mass knowledge and understanding yet it still “got me”. Yesterday a friend on here motivated me to set two small goals for my day. I almost chickened out 100 times and it literally took every minute and every ounce of my energy to accomplish them. Wash my hair and make it to the living room for the super bowl. Was it enjoyable? Absolutely NOT! I was never happier to get to my bed so the trembling, constant thoughts, and feeling on the verge of panic could hopefully subside even a little! Yesterday really genuinely sucked and was traumatic! But you know what? TODAY... TODAY... I woke up with a different type of feeling! I woke up w a small sense of accomplishment from yesterday. It took until today to feel it and I am rewarding myself with allowing myself to relax and spend the day in my bed and room in my comfort zone. So I decided.. I am setting goals for every other day ... I will make it through a goal day and reward myself with a “vacation” day. I can hold on to the looking forward of my relax day coming to help push me through my tough day. I mean, at the gym they take a day off after leg day right? I make it through the push knowing tomorrow will be a break! This way I’m not in constant push mode and overwhelm myself. So for now... a “vacation day” will be my reward if I make it through a goal day. This post sounds absolutely absurd and irrational and illogical! But ... I am here and this is somehow my reality! I guess it’s bringing out my creative thinking side... in an odd way that I would’ve never chose! Baby steps.

[Agora1]

Wow, what an accomplishment you achieved. I am all for the reward system no matter how big or small. I have Fibromyalgia and in that I've learned if I want to do something one day in giving my all, I know that I will use the next day to recover. I don't use bed, but some movies, a special treat with my cuppa, Dr. Phil ev afternoon :), listen to music, whatever moves me.

We each must find our way in coping. It is all about a creative thinking side. Use your psychology and science studies to your benefit. Mine happens to be medical background. I have used my knowledge to get me through medical and emotional issues by understanding which ones may be the triggers. When we understand the root of the problem, it becomes easier to accept as well as address.

More power to you, in having that knowledge. Use it to your own benefit. What we learn in life is never a loss. Have a great day off. xx

[Hidden]

That is great! Proud of you for accomplishing those goals I know how hard it is. I’m in college now and I’ve already missed a few days of the semester cause I couldn’t get out of bed so my goals will be to show up to class and finish my homework on those days so when the weekend comes I can just rest and be at ease at least for a little while. Funny how we look at those as vacation days but it’s true. Good luck to you and thanks for sharing this.

[gogogirl]

Yes, glad that was an accomplishment. Here is N.E. some people are cranky about the Patriots losing- for pete's sake they have five wins!

[kikivball]

It is incredible that you were able to make a way of rewarding yourself and developing goals all on your own! I love that you are aware about your own reality and perspective. I admire your persistence and self-awareness!!

[sheila1kerry]

It sounds as if you have found a way to help you deal with things. Well done for achieving your goals and a great idea to treat yourself to a relaxing day as a reward. Youmay even inspire others to do the same. As you said “ baby steps”.