I like prizes
I am a big proponent of encouragement through prize. Sure I believe in the accolades of self pride and eternal love but prizes are just so fun. Why do you think all those people went on the Price is Right? It wasn’t just because Plinko is a blast.
I am someone who can easily suffer from buyers remorse. Call it a curse from a childhood that lacked money or all of those bad clothing decisions I made in the late 90′s. For whatever reason I enjoy buying things much more when it comes attached to an accomplishment. It’s like two prizes in one.
Crunch Time
I have some exciting stuff coming up in January. I get all superstitious about naming names if you will but it means I need to be in tip top shape faster than I had planned. Lucky for me I have enough time, but the stroll into being in the best shape of my life I was planning on taking looks like I will have to turn up a notch.
Nothing is going to change on a large scale, still the same tricks, just hungrier.
Back to the prize
One of my favorite motivators, however cheesy seeming, is goal thermometers. I feel in love with them the moment Ozone, Turbo, and Kelly tried to help that struggling community center in the epic tale of Breakin’ 2 – Electric Boogaloo. While I am sure there is a great psychological analysis to the importance of seeing a rising chart of success, I just think they are fun. In dedication to my needing to move a little faster, and stay encouraged, I have made a new one for my event.
The basic formula for a goal thermometer is easy. All you need is a capsule to hold input and the markings of prizes or worth along the way of that input. In this case the input would be something like pounds lost or calories in deficit. The markings along the way would be prizes in the form of items or activity. Here is an example -
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The first picture is a template. The second picture is your template filled out. I recommend choosing prizes that fit a variety of needs and goals. I think all should have the following -
1. Activity – Getting to go somewhere and do something.
2. Life help – A prize that is to help make your life easier.
3. Educational item – A prize that will help further your knowledge of something you wish to learn more about.
4. Fun item – Something that may seem silly or trivial otherwise.
5. Body/performance – A prize that is going to help you improve in body or performance.
6. Short term goal – An item that helps you further a short term goal.
7. Long term goal – An item that helps you further a long term goal.
8. Grand – The ultimate prize; a big ticket item.
For the record my grand prize this round is some hot clothes trip and this puppy right here.
This is up at the shop right now on hold. I love a Martin.
Song of the post
I am writing up my next Melody Principle post and listening to lots of hip hop goodness. In writing up my list there were a few honorable mentions that I felt needed to be noted. This is one of them.
Ooh Fu-gee-la.
The Fugees- Ready or Not
I haven’t heard that fugees song for years, oh the sweet nostalgia.
wow the fugees! love it!!!!
You love Martins? Wow! My Dad loves them, I remember him playing “Ring of Fire” as a kid on one. He has one of those anniversary ones (they only made a few or something) and I told him to will it to me!! I love a Martin guitar as well….
Love the goal setting too – but more teases about January?.. ahh, you always leave us in suspense!!!
Oh, and I love that picture too. It reminds me of the freaky album covers that my sisters used to have (maybe Elton John or Led Zepplin) and when I was a kid, I would sit and stare for hours trying to find all the things in them.
Talk about a blast from the past, great cd and fun post, Leigh!
I forgot about that Virgin music poster contest! We collectively filled one in at work when it came out and got really far. For those who aren’t familiar, the picture above is illustrations of band names, I forget how many there are supposed to be.
And wow Leigh, quite the teaser with the January thing.
Nice guitar.
I forgot about that virgin poster too. Very fun.
I like the thought of multi-types of prizes. I have often thought of doing an incentive program for myself like that but literally blanked on what I wanted to give myself. Now I have some ideas, thanks.
I SOOO suffer from buyers remorse. Great idea Leigh.
On a side note, I just found your podcast and listened to every single one and love love them. Thanks a lot and please keep them coming.
Fugee Lovers – You can’t hear that intro and not be taken back. Great stuff indeed.
Missy – Guitars are such personal things. For me the first time I played a Martin I finally thought I was a real musicians. I haven’t found another brand I love like that since. For electrics I still am looking for my great love, I have owned fenders, gibsons, ibanez, and epiphones. I still haven’t had that “click” yet. We will see though. /end dork rant.
Bree- I loved that poster when it came out and must have spent 2 hours writing down everything I could pick out. It’s like the highlights magazine x10.’
Robin – Thanks a lot for listening. Now that the files are smaller downloads are picking up again so I am hoping that brings back some of the people we lost there for a few weeks. Now all you have to do is send in a question
It’s been ages since I’ve listened to the song and I love it. Nice choice.
I’m so going to use that goal thermometer. What a great idea.
Love the goal post. Maybe that’s what I need to break out of my funk. The guitar is pretty, too. The guy who was teaching me to play years ago (before the dang arthritis moved into my hands) had a 12 string Fender acoustic that was like heaven. I still dream about playing that thing sometimes–it fit me perfectly; I could always play that one better than my own!
Very timely post! This week I rededicated myself to my weight goal–with a pair of really nice boots waiting for me when I reach it. I’m not accustomed to luxury goods and always feel terrible buying things I don’t “need”, so I need some means of justifying my purchase.
Already down 1lb!