Reward Systems

I have adapted this from my reading of Atomic Habits. I’m fully aware this week that everybody deserves a reward system. As I reflect on my week I have hit my target of fifty pages of articles, I have been to three meetings and most importantly I haven’t picked up a drink. I have had urges however, the sun is currently splitting the rocks in Ireland. I rewarded my hard work with chicken wings last night. Hopefully by tomorrow I’ll be in a financial position to stock up on Coke Zero too. One thing I plan on doing is having a daily reward for every day I remain sober. AA would discourage my reward, a non-alcoholic beer. Many in AA believe that ‘non-alcoholic drinks are for non-alcoholics’.

The most important reward of all will be that I will be kind to myself. I haven’t done any harm or hassled any other human being. That in itself is a sign of a successful day. 

Combining reward systems with SMART goals can be hugely beneficial. For example a SMART goal of mine for next week is to start the ‘couch to 5k’. If I manage to succeed in running three times next week (provided I’m not sent to prison on Monday) I deserve a reward. If my social welfare comes through I might even treat myself to a Chinese. I’m still on the fence with my gambling addiction so I’m not sure whether or not I will reward myself with a Lucky 15. To be honest if I wasn’t still living in imaginative function I wouldn’t view this as a reward. I am yet to decide if I can make the odd gamble ‘manageable’.

By next week I should have made myself 1% better than the week previous, as Atomic Habits quotes “Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results”. If you’re still in addiction why not try having six cans instead of ten. My goals for next week include, running, working on this website, meeting my addiction counsellor, going to court sober and attending three meetings. These goals are achievable and realistic. There is no point in setting yourself up for unrealistic goals. You’re only setting yourself up for failure. As an addict, failure can result in an increase of substance usage (including gambling) or even relapse if you are currently sober.