Reward yourself by leveling up

Rewarding yourself when you have accomplished something at work is a potent trick in many situations. It could be rewarding yourself for being able to focus on a task uninterrupted for a full hour if you are practicing not jumping between tasks. Or, you can reward yourself for finally completing that task you have been putting off for far too long. Successfully working in a more structured way during the past week is also a reason to reward yourself.

For you who prefer listening to reading, this post is also available as an episode of the ""Done!"" podcast:

What is a suitable reward for the effort?

But how should you reward yourself? Some people treat themselves to something extra delicious, like a carefully chosen piece of chocolate. Others give themselves a “stick” on a note where they collect points to be able to buy something they wouldn’t usually indulge in. Many express that the feeling of checking off a task is a sufficient reward in itself.

Level up

I have been looking for examples of different types of rewards, and I got a tip from Zapier’s Amanda Jackson about one. She describes how she rewards herself by physically changing her environment. For example, when she finishes a demanding task, she moves to another room — or a café or outside. This way, it becomes tangible that she has accomplished something specific, and the reward becomes concrete.

You and I can do the same.

Do this

If rewarding yourself by changing your environment seems suitable, try it.

First, come up with a few different places where you can work.
Rank the places in order of how attractive they are to you. Where do you find it most comfortable, most effortless, or most inspiring to work? Which place do you prefer the least.

Now, you practically have a ladder of different levels, and as you succeed with the challenges for which you want to reward yourself, you can ”level up” as if you were playing a game.
Define something you want to accomplish — the challenge itself, that is. What do you need to achieve to be rewarded with moving to the next “level”?
Start working on the challenge. When you have completed it — move to the environment one level up on the scale!

Is this really necessary? No, you are an adult and can sit wherever you want whenever you want. But, if you need an extra incentive to succeed with something that may not come naturally, this is a simple and relatively cheap trick you can try.

Help in your striving

If you reward yourself by “leveling up” physically to a more attractive place to work, you get concrete proof that you have succeeded in something you set out to do. Your motivation to take the next step should get a boost, and if it is a new habit you want to establish, you will succeed in it more easily.

How do you do it?

Do you usually reward yourself in this way? Where do you prefer to move? What is the “highest level”? Please let me know. I am curious to hear.

Do you have a colleague who would benefit from adopting this trick? Tell them about it. The more people who work in a structured way, the smoother everyone’s work will be.

(Looking for more on the subject? Feel free to also check out my post “Reward yourself with something you almost need”)

What to know more?

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