Reward Systems

One of my weight loss clients has taken my advice on a reward system and it seems to be working for her.

Being that I believed pleasure is a way to inspire or motivate oneself as a reward for accomplishments, I usually take clients through an exercise before we begin hypnosis. In this exercise, one visualizes success in making their changes and how good it feels (or at least imagine what it would be like). Then I have them see this new image of themselves engaged in something pleasurable that utilizes components of the change. For smokers it could be something like doing a day hike on a picturesque mountain and realizing their lung capacity has increased. For nail biters, imagine having a luxurious manicure done and showing off one's finger nails the next day or buying a new ring that showcases their healthy looking nails.

Well, the client who lost the weight has just planned her "reward." She has lost ten pounds and to keep her going, she is taking a weekend trip down to St. Augustine, Florida. She wants to show her accomplishment off to her long-distance boy friend who is meeting her there on November 24 for Uptown Saturday Night on San Marco Avenue. She is looking forward to dancing in the streets, but her boyfriend collects rare books and apparently there is much in the way of incredible antique bargains. She has even bought a new dress just to stroll through the romantic Mission of Nombre de Dios.

I looked into Uptown Saturday Nights and they wonderful. Art, antiques, music, free parking at the Mission. Can't beat that. Plus there are antique workshops, opportunities to hobnob with artists, and just enjoy the ambience of the evening on this historic street. They just had one last weekend on October 27, and the next is November 24. These events are from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. I know there are a few of you reading this who may live near by, so you may want to attend these St. Augustine events. I also imagine that my weight loss group may start clamoring for a field trip to this. Hmmm. Wonder if they would allow meditation at the Mission?