Keeping motivated, exercising, eating healthy etc. is hard work. Mindfulness, good choices, effort. You go to the gym instead of taking a nap. You eat a healthy snack instead of something bad. What is your reward? Good health? Fit body? Loose clothing?

Maybe.

But for me those long term rewards are sometimes forgotten in my day to day life. When I make it through a crazy day and work hard I want something tangible at the end of the day. This reward usually is not a “good” choice. Beer, a glass of wine, chocolate, cheesecake, as well as other unwritten vices are always my rewards of choice. Why do my rewards have to be so unhealthy for me?

In looking at living a balanced life, I realize that I need some vices or else I am a raging rage-aholic. Living a clean life is not for me. I need hotdogs at the hockey game. I need beers with friends. I like a good party involving binge drinking once in a while to make me feel alive.

But why can’t I feel like I can have some positive rewards. I can’t even think of one. They are all bad for me and/or involve spending money at Lululemon. What brings me joy at the end of the day? Junk food should not be a reward. Alcohol should not be a reward. Cigarettes? As if.

Whatever your reward is, try to think of an alternative. I sure am. I’ll let you know when I find it.