You’re probably wondering what I learned during Week 2 at BetterU(niversity). Well, truth be told I learned a lot of things this week from the American Heart Associations BetterU program. But I really want to chat about rewards for short term goals because I think this was the lesson I was meant to learn this week.
Today I had two separate conversations about short term goals and rewards associated with achieving those goals. While I’m sure we all agree that the reward of setting healthy living goals is better health, right Jill? But it certainly is nice to have a carrot dangling over your head to help you achieve your goals. Ok, maybe instead of a carrot…a massage, right Ang?
The BetterU program encourages you to categorize your goals into 3 groups: Exercise, nutrition, and a heart-healthy goal. Here are a few of their suggestions:
- Physical Activity Goal: This week, I will find a safe, convenient place to walk – at home, work, or in my neighborhood.
- Healthy Eating Goal: I will make one of my favorite recipes healthier this week by: adding healthy ingredients, cutting out less healthy ingredients, and/or replacing less healthy ingredients with more healthy ingredients.
- Lowering Your Heart Disease Risk Goal: This week, I will take the Go Red Heart Check-Up to learn my risk for heart disease and stroke; if I don’t know my numbers, I will make an appointment with my healthcare provider to get them.
After setting your SMART goals, it’s time to set a reward for achieving those goals. The “carrots” or rewards don’t have to be expensive they can be anything meaningful to you. Some of my carrots? A manicure, a magazine, new workout clothes, new tunes for the iPod.
What are your carrots for achieving your short term healthy-living goals? Tell us your answer in the comment section below and one lucky winner will be rewarded with a pack of three Safe Side Towels! This contest will end on Saturday, February 20th and the winner will be announced on Sunday.
Now I really must make like a bunny and hop to the gym…I’ve got some carrots waiting for me!
Miz says:
February 19th 2010hmmmm. books pedicure & new shoes work but would it make me officially OLD if I say simply having the ENERGY to enjoy my life and chase my child?
yes.
thought so :)
methinks it would too.
amanda says:
February 19th 2010Depends on the goal and how hard it was. Sometimes it would be painting my nails, a new shirt, etc. It has even been vacations, a special piece of chocolate, etc
Heather @ Side of Sneakers says:
February 19th 2010If I follow through on my training, my reward is signing up for another race!! :)
Jess (Fit Chick in the City) says:
February 19th 2010I totally need a carrot right now! I’m lacking motivation, and never set up some sort of “reward” for meeting my goals.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says:
February 19th 2010I usually do special treats, like a pedicure or a massage!
The Candid RD says:
February 19th 2010Honestly, for me, the reward is just how good I feel when I make the necessary changes! If I tweek a recipe, and make it healthier, my reward is the feeling I get after eating the food. The food does good things to my body and I feel good, I love it! Something I have not done is get my blood fats checked, which is what I would need to reward myself for because I just don’t have the motivation to do it. I am terrified of needles so an excuse I have to NOT deal with a needle, I will use. Maybe I would reward myself with a trip to the mall for some Spring clothes, once I get my cholesterol checked. I’m scarred!
I’m glad you learned some great lessons at Better U. Have a great weekend Joanna!
Nancy says:
February 19th 2010My carrot is being able to look in the mirror and seeing the results of my hard work and determination. That really keeps me going.
Naomi(onefitfoodie) says:
February 19th 2010setting long term goals I just stay focused and it takes motivation and determination! it depends on the goal to set the reward, but sometimes its new clothes, a massage (love those!) or new shoes!!! I never try to make my reward food, because food shouldn’t be a reward, it should be something you enjoy!
Teri [a foodie stays fit] says:
February 19th 2010You know, I actually don’t have any tangible rewards for short-term healthy goals! Silly me! But, I’m going to make some right now: I really need to work on flexibility so I’m going to do yoga once a week. Each time I do yoga, I’ll give myself $2. Then I can save up money to buy actual yoga clothes which would make it more fun to do it! :) Thanks for making me think about this!
And I hope I win those towels – they are so cool and I’ve wanted some for a while!
Betty Gipson says:
February 19th 2010My reward is taking my friends out for a drink and having them tell me good I look!
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman says:
February 19th 2010I never set up rewards, but maybe I should start. A manicure sounds nice, Joanna. I may start small: A movie date! I need to see Shutter Island.
Priscilla says:
February 19th 2010new books, magazine subscriptions. a great pair of shoes, headphones, new iTunes, anything to make time spent at the gym more enjoyable!! :)
FatFighterTV says:
February 19th 2010Hmmm… rewards… I would love a foot massage! And a neck massage! I am sore this week. ;)
april says:
February 19th 2010Rewards = my favorite healthy foods (purple sweet potatoes with almond butter!), relaxation tim, epsom salt baths, and shopping!
Amanda Thebe says:
February 19th 2010I am all about rewards, a day at a spa, mani + pedi, getting my hair done, new clothes. But I only do this occasionally. I want to feel that I have achieved something first before rewarding myself.
Jody - Fit at 52 says:
February 19th 2010Well, I don’t really have extra $$ so for me, my carrot is feeling better & improving each day. At 52, the goal is to stay healthy & fit & prove older folks can do it. I hope to be doing this as long as I am on this earth!
angela says:
February 19th 2010A spray tan was my most recent “carrot”.