By Ricinda Perry

Are you showing signs of success?  Here are two ways you can continue to achieve your goals during this challenge.

  1. MIND SET.  As I have now studied the second chapter of James, mental discipline is becoming a prominent theme.  Many of us are emotional about things.  If it “feels good,” we do it.  If it “feels difficult,” we quit.  To be quite frank – dieting, exercising and serving are not always things that feel good.  You need to set aside those emotions and mentally prepare yourself every morning for conquering this 90 day challenge. While my heart may not be into something, I can get it into my head … meaning sometimes I just have to tell myself, “You can do this.” Or “You are not tired and you are able to get up and get that new recipe ready for dinner.”  I’m sure you have heard of psyching yourself out … in this case, psych yourself into action!
  2. MOTIVATION.  What better way to motivate yourself than through rewards?  I’ve heard of people starting a reward jar that they place $5 into for each goal met.  I’ve heard of people starting a charm bracelet for goal successes.  Would people go to the office and work every day if they did not get a paycheck?  A “reward” for their work?  Not likely.  How do you expect to succeed in these three areas (your health, spiritual life, and marriage) if you don’t get rewarded?  Take five minutes, and write out a reward system.

Here’s mine:

When I hit my personal goals (Small goals:  Finish a week of Bible reading without missing 1 day.  Complete a week of exercise with 1 day of rest.  Big goals:  Memorize a chapter of James.  Lose 5 pounds.) I get rewarded.  Rewards come from my reward jar where I’ve placed written out rewards on strips of two different colors of paper.  The small goals get their own color and big goals get theirs.  Perhaps a penalty jar may become necessary should I slip back into old habits.

Here are some non-food ways to reward all of your hard work:

  • Buy a new exercise DVD
  • Try a new class – if you are walking, try a spin or zumba class.
  • A new outfit to use when exercising
  • New music for your iPod or MP3 player
  • Get a massage.
  • Change your look with a new or different hair style or color, not a complete makeover.
  • Get or give yourself a manicure or pedicure.
  • Buy a new nail polish color.
  • Dinner at a restaurant that serves food on your plan.
  • Pick up a new scented candle.
  • Pick up a new garment or accessory for your wardrobe.
  • Take a short vacation.
  • Go see a new movie or play.
  • Do a total room makeover.
  • Visit a day spa.
  • Visit your favorite coffee spot.
  • Pick up some colorful new flowers for the garden or start an herb garden in your window.
  • Grab some new bedding for your bed.
  • Treat yourself to an expensive pair of jeans you’ve had your eye on.
  • Pick up some fun jewelry or another accessory.
  • Buy new fitness gear like a heart rate monitor, new iPod, or a treadmill.
  • Pick up something new for the kitchen like a fancy veggie slicer or indoor grill.
  • Go away for a skiing, surfing, or yoga weekend, depending on your interests.
  • Do something active you’ve always wanted to do like horseback riding, take a snowboard lesson, or go rock climbing.
  • Get a private lesson with a personal trainer to help you get on your way to reaching a new fitness goal.

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