The Power of Reward: Why Celebrating Your Habits is the Key to Lasting Change

When it comes to creating lasting change in our lives, we often focus on the hard work and discipline required to build new habits. We think that if we just push ourselves hard enough, we'll be able to transform our lives through sheer willpower alone. But what if I told you that there's a missing piece to the habit puzzle – one that's just as important as the habit itself? That missing piece is reward.

In the Lil' Habit method, we emphasize the importance of rewarding yourself for your habit efforts. Why? Because rewards are what make habits stick. They provide the positive reinforcement that tells our brains, "Hey, this behavior is worth repeating!"

Think about it – when you were a kid, you probably learned to associate certain behaviors with rewards. If you cleaned your room, you got to watch an extra hour of TV. If you got good grades, you might have earned a special treat or a new toy. These rewards helped to reinforce the behaviors that your parents or teachers wanted to encourage.

The same principle applies to habit formation as adults. When we give ourselves rewards for our habit efforts, we're more likely to stay motivated and consistent over time. We start to associate our habits with positive feelings and experiences, which makes it easier to keep showing up day after day.

So, what kinds of rewards work best for habit formation? The key is to choose rewards that are meaningful, enjoyable, and directly linked to your habit. Here are a few ideas:

1. CELEBRATE SMALL WINS: Acknowledge your progress and give yourself credit for showing up, even if it's just for a few minutes a day. A simple "good job!" or a pat on the back can go a long way.
2. TREAT YOURSELF: Choose a small, enjoyable reward that you can give yourself after completing your habit. This might be a favorite snack, a new book or magazine, or a few minutes of free time to do something you enjoy.
3. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS: Use a habit tracker or journal to record your habit efforts and celebrate your streak. Seeing your progress over time can be a reward in itself!
4. SHARE YOUR SUCCESS: Tell a friend or accountability partner about your habit victories, or share your progress on social media. Knowing that others are cheering you on can be a powerful motivator.
5. CONNECT TO YOUR WHY: Remind yourself of the bigger reason behind your habit – the positive impact it will have on your life and the lives of those around you. Focusing on your deeper motivation can be a reward in itself.

In the Lil' Habit method, we have a special name for the positive feelings and experiences that come from rewarding your habit efforts – we call it the "Yay!" The Yay is that little burst of joy, pride, or satisfaction you feel when you complete your habit and give yourself a pat on the back. It's the feeling of accomplishment that comes from knowing you're making progress, one small step at a time.

To help you cultivate more Yay in your habit journey, we've created a range of resources and programs:

• Download the free Kickstart Workbook to dive into the basics of the Lil' Habit method and start exploring your own lil' habit.
• Check out the 1-Hour Kickstart Course for a quick and actionable introduction to the key principles of the method. Perfect if you're eager for change and ready to DIY.
• For a more comprehensive and personalized experience, enroll in the 6-Week Dream a Lil' Dream Program. This structured and supportive program includes 1:1 coaching and all the resources you need to achieve your goals.
• If you're new to coaching and want to sample the benefits at your own pace, try the Monthly Subscription. It offers a flexible timeline and a gradual approach to personal growth at an amazing value.

So if you're ready to make your habits stick, don't forget the power of reward. Choose meaningful, enjoyable rewards that celebrate your efforts and keep you motivated over time. And remember – every small step deserves a Yay!

With the Lil' Habit method, our range of resources and programs, and the power of reward, you'll be well on your way to creating the lasting change you've been dreaming of – one small, celebrated step at a time. So let's make your habits rewarding and start your transformation today!