5.3: Rewarding Yourself When You Achieve Your Goals

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The best part of goal-setting is the reward for achieving your goals. Remember the words “intrinsic” and “extrinsic” from the Motivation chapter and from earlier in this chapter? If you plan both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards for a goal, your motivation will be higher because you’ve thought in advance about the positive outcomes of your hard work. Examples of intrinsic rewards are a sense of accomplishment, pride, satisfaction - all leading toward increased self-efficacy. Examples of extrinsic rewards are going on a trip, dinner at your favorite restaurant and buying something nice for yourself. Intrinsic rewards are more powerful because no one can take those emotions and thoughts away from you, but extrinsic rewards can be fun. Why not plan for both and enjoy your accomplishments!