Dangle the carrot

I’m gonna level with you: it’s never quite enough for me to do what I know I should just because it’s good for me.

For example, my focus for February is extreme self-care. Why? Because I want things to be different this year: I’ve started a new business, I want to see how far I can grow and we’re committed to hiking Mount Kilimanjaro in the fall. These things need me to be firing on all cylinders, so I’ve fine-tuned my diet, prioritized sleep, fitness and bodywork. I feel nourished and better-rested and some nagging aches & pains are going away.

That’s not always enough, though. Sometimes I need a little extra boost to encourage me, something to pull me through when the devil on my shoulder says “Have that brownie/glass of wine. Why not sleep in instead of going to the gym?” In this case, that little extra boost is a candle.

Not just any candle, but a candle not even I can justify purchasing simply because I like it (and my purchase justification skills are legendary). This candle is a spendy little item that not only do I want, I’m coveting it. Oh yes, it’s gotten biblical.

So I made it the carrot I dangle in front of me as encouragement. When I reach a particular set of goals, I’m giving myself full permission to click BUY and will enjoy it guilt-free. Then I’ll look forward to figuring out my reward for my next set of goals.

Have you tried this? What carrots work for you? I’d love some new ideas!