Celebrating Your Successes: 205 Ways to Reward Your Achievements

Celebrating Your Successes: 205 Ways to Reward Your Achievements

Starting a new habit, but struggling to stick with it? You're not alone. Countless people try to lose weight, increase productivity, or adopt a new exercise routine, only to find themselves quitting in frustration. Why does this happen? One reason might be due to a lack of immediate results from behavior changes. But, don't despair! There's a simple method to help you stick with your goals and habits: reward yourself.

Rewarding yourself after reaching a milestone or achieving a specific goal is a powerful technique to keep you going, especially when you're feeling unmotivated or just too tired to start. In this post, we'll explore 205 different rewards to inspire you to achieve anything you put your mind to!

But first, let's answer a simple question: Why should you reward yourself?

When working towards a goal, it's essential to recognize your progress and not become drained by the effort you put into a new habit. Rewards help give you small incentives along the way, remind you why you're working hard, and give you a reason to celebrate your achievements.

Studies show that giving yourself healthy treats is vital for achieving your goals and can make a big difference in how you feel about your goals[1]. Bonuses, rewards, and treats don't have to be extravagant—they can be as simple as taking a break to enjoy your favorite music, or treating yourself to a special meal. Choose rewards that align with your personal interests and values, and make sure they don't derail your progress.

Now, let's dive into some reward ideas categorized by entertainment, food, free activities, self-care, shopping, and travel & outdoor activities.

Entertainment Rewards

After a long day of hard work, treating your senses to some entertainment can be an excellent way to relax and unwind.

1. Fun activity with kids (Here are 88 enjoyable activities you can do with your kids)
2. Comedy club laugh
3. Carnival, festival, or arts and crafts show
4. Concert
5. Art gallery visit
6. Theater or opera pass
7. Learn a new skill (Sign up for a class to learn something you've always wanted to learn)
8. Podcast listening (Here are 23 motivational podcasts, 17 meditation podcasts, 27 funny podcasts, and 19 happiness podcasts you can check out)
9. Music listening (Listen to music that motivates, energizes, or relaxes you)
10. Netflix marathon
11. Plan a night out with friends
12. Wii game
13. Pool playing
14. Online gaming session
15. Drag show attendance (Check out a drag show in your area—why not?)
16. Sporting event
17. Premium Spotify membership
18. Movie theatermatinee
19. Karaoke session (Check out karaoke channels on YouTube)
20. Cooking/pottery/photography class
21. Big party
22. Museum visit (Start with the "free" museums)
23. Youtube animal videos
24. YouTube blooper reels
25. Book reading (Read a few chapters from a new book or re-read one of your favorites)
26. Board game playing
27. Escape room challenge with friends or family
28. TED talk viewing
29. Fun DIY craft (Find a craft you can do with stuff around the house)
30. Zoo visit

Food Rewards

Food is an essential part of our lives, and giving yourself a special food treat can be an excellent way to re-energize and keep yourself motivated!

Remember, though, any reward you choose shouldn't derail your goals or habits. For example, if you're working to lose weight, giving yourself a food reward might not be the best idea.

1. Green superfood drink in the morning
2. Favorite pastry or cake
3. Cook your favorite dish (Use expensive ingredients)
4. Meal kit delivery service for a few weeks instead of cooking
5. Wine glass (or two!)
6. Favorite restaurant visit
7. Candy bar
8. Lunch outdoors
9. Gourmet dessert
10. Chocolate fondue making
11. Order in
12. Ice cream or frozen yogurt break
13. Smoothie or milkshake
14. Cheese and crackers
15. Café coffee or hot chocolate
16. Nice bar visit (Invite friends to try a new cocktail)
17. Family BBQ
18. Expensive restaurant meal (For a big milestone)
19. Pancakes for dinner with fun toppings
20. Fancy liquor bottle (To enjoy with someone you love)
21. Try a new food from a different country (It's like traveling!)

Free Rewards

You don't have to spend money to reward yourself! Here are some awesome free treats to celebrate any milestone.

1. Call a friend or family member (To make you smile)
2. Coloring (Check out these fun adult coloring books options)
3. Designated lazy day (Do absolutely nothing)
4. Crossword puzzle or word search
5. Draw or doodle
6. Gardening
7. Bubble bath or long shower
8. At-home spa day
9. Screen-free hour (Take a break from social media)
10. Game night (Host Pictionary, Twister, and Charades with friends)
11. Knit, crochet, cross stitch, or embroider
12. Lie in a hammock
13. Light candles
14. Play poker
15. Reorganize your closet
16. Sit on a porch swing
17. Take a selfie
18. Short workday break
19. Take photos
20. Visit the library or bookstore
21. Volunteer at a local shelter
22. Write a heartfelt note to a friend or family member
23. Take a nap
24. Make a funny TikTok or reel
25. Find free local plays, exhibits, or shows and go enjoy them!
26. Go to a local make-up store for a free makeover
27. Share your success on social media (To get external motivation from followers)
28. Watch a live concert of your favorite band on YouTube
29. Build a blanket fort (To play with your kids or feel like a kid again)

Self-Care Rewards

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's easy to forget to take care of yourself. Self-care is essential for your overall well-being and can help you feel refreshed and focused.

1. Personal trainer session
2. Manicure or pedicure (Or both)
3. New hairstyle
4. New tattoo or piercing
5. New clothes or undergarments
6. Fitness shoes fitting (At a running store)
7. New gym shades (For outdoor exercise)
8. Fancy shower gel or lotion
9. Eyebrow wax or threading
10. House cleaning (Hire someone to clean your house)
11. Moisture-wicking workout socks
12. Fitness tracker purchase
13. Task-list procrastination
14. Saturday morning coffee or brunch with a friend
15. Luxury spa week
16. Mindful writing practice
17. Healthy subscriptions box
18. Pole or Sumba dancing class
19. Work from home day
20. Self-esteem boost
21. Nap
22. Hair and makeup session
23. Car detailing
24. Massage or facial
25. Mindfulness exercise (Try 71 great suggestions to get started)
26. Aromatherapy
27. Makeup tutorial watching and experimenting
28. Fancy scent purchase
29. Wear a confidence-boosting outfit
30. Hobby or craft project (Choose from 55 hobbies for women or 60 hobbies for men)
31. Journal writing (Try these 33 journaling ideas to get started)
32. Professional portrait shoot
33. Early bedtime
34. Laser hair removal package
35. Natural skin products purchase
36. Teeth whitening
37. ergonomic desk chair purchase
38. Yoga session (In-studio or at home)
39. Meditation session
40. DIY facemask

Shopping Rewards

Buying something new can be an excellent way to reward yourself! A new purchase can be functional or something you simply enjoy.

1. Rewards savings (Set aside money for yourself every time you reach a goal)
2. Collection building (Collect stamps, action figures, or anything that interests you)
3. Goal calendar decoration (With stickers to emphasize achievements and deadlines)
4. Flea market, antique shop, or thrift store browsing (Find that one piece of furniture you've been searching for)
5. Big screen TV, car or home stereo (Save this splurge for when you achieve big goals)
6. New water pitcher or bottle (Perfect reward for meeting a fitness goal)
7. Lottery ticket
8. Museum painting purchase (For your living room or bedroom)
9. New app purchase (That premium app you've been wanting)
10. New book (Read it while taking uninterrupted time)
11. New purse or laptop bag
12. New workout DVD (Try a new workout when you reach a previous goal)
13. New workout outfit (Perfect reward for meeting a weight goal)
14. Plant purchase (For your bedside table or garden)
15. Small personal blender (For smoothies and protein shakes)
16. Bird feeder (To watch birds)
17. Pinterest boards purchase (One thing off your Pinterest boards)
18. Special jewelry (A piece you can wear to remind yourself of your accomplishments)
19. Workspace improvement (Find something that makes your workspace more enjoyable)
20. Fresh bouquet of flowers
21. Nice journal (To write reflections, emotions, goals, and dreams)
22. Pretty scarf or hat (Wear it to motivate yourself)
23. Unexpected gift giving (To show gratitude to someone else)
24. Magazine purchase (About a topic you like)
25. New makeup
26. High-end wireless headphones
27. Colorful shoelaces (For your walking shoes)
28. Redecorate your bedroom
29. Sale rack shopping (For discounted clothes and accessories)
30. New cookware (To make cooking more enjoyable)
31. Fancy coffee maker (To start your days with great coffee!)
32. Nice mug (To drink coffee or tea from while you work)
33. New cookbook (With fun new recipes to try)

Travel & Outdoor Rewards

Spending time outdoors is essential for mental health, and rewarding yourself with the opportunity to explore nature or travel can be a fantastic way to celebrate milestones and rejuvenate your mind and body.

1. Dog adoption (Your new walking buddy)
2. Fire building (Enjoy its comforting warmth)
3. Local hot spot or tourist site visit (One you haven't taken the time to visit)
4. Morning walk at the park
5. Hike (By yourself or with friends)
6. Botanical garden visit
7. Peaceful outdoor spot sitting (Soak up the sun or feel the gentle breeze)
8. Frisbee playing
9. Saturday night bed-and-breakfast stay
10. Weekend getaway with your significant other
11. Tree planting (In your backyard)
12. Picnic (For some quality family time)
13. Planning a trip (To another country you've always wanted to visit)
14. Sunrise watching (Before work)
15. Local spot sunset viewing
16. Bird watching (Urban parks or further from the city)
17. Insect exploration (Find interesting insects in your local park)
18. Parks organization volunteering (To help with park maintenance and learn new things)
19. Nearby towns visiting (To get to know the area)
20. Country you've always wanted to visit (For a large milestone)
21. Outdoor climbing (Sign up for a class if you're a beginner)
22. Local fishing spot visit (Or just enjoy the water)
23. Photography practice (Take photos of your local park)
24. Friend or family visit (In another city)
25. Outdoor chair purchase (For a nice outdoor chair to sit on in the mornings)
26. Fishing gear (To have on hand for next time)
27. Local gallery art purchase (To support local artists)
28. Nature-themed home accessories (Add flair to your home)
29. Camping gear (Prepare for your next camping trip)
30. Wildlife refuge visit (To learn more about local wildlife)
31. Hiking boots (To have on hand for your next adventure)

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to reward yourself, from small, quick activities to big purchases and exciting experiences. Remember, choose rewards that align with your personal interests and values, and make sure they don't derail your progress.

Staying consistent in your efforts to achieve your goals is essential, so balance enjoyment of your tasks with strategic rewards to optimize your personal growth and success. For more tips on building good habits and achieving your goals, check out our related posts!

1. When you need a pick-me-up during your goal journey, consider rewarding yourself with fun activity ideas like playing pool, attending a comedy club, or watching a Netflix marathon.
2. To build a stronger connection with loved ones, plan a night out with friends or a family BBQ as a reward for reaching a personal milestone.
3. For self-care and mindfulness, treat yourself to a manicure, meditation session, or aromatherapy to enhance your overall well-being.
4. Encourage personal growth through fashion-and-beauty rewards like purchasing a new hairstyle, a fancy scent, or a high-end wireless headphone.
5. Support local artists and businesses by buying a piece of art from a local gallery or nature-themed home accessories to spruce up your home.
6. For the food lover, the journey towards your goals can be sweeter with rewards such as enjoying a favorite meal, trying a new food from a different country, or savoring a green superfood drink in the morning.
7. Enhance your productivity by incorporating productivity-boosting rewards like having a designated lazy day or taking a break to listen to a motivational podcast.
8. Indulge in mindfulness exercises like mindful writing practice or a yoga session as rewards to help you stay focused and rejuvenated during your progress.
9. Traveling and outdoor activities can offer great rewards for achieving personal milestones, such as a Saturday night bed-and-breakfast stay, hiking, or planning a trip to a country you've always wanted to visit.
10. Lastly, finding hobbies that you enjoy, like gardening, painting, or playing an instrument, can serve as satisfying rewards for yourself and a break from the daily routine.

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