BeHereNow Posted January 30, 2013 Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 Brainstorming creative techniques of self-motivation, it occured to me that "normal" people take time for themselves and do fun things that make them happy. WOW imagine that?! The classic technique of rewarding hard work with a juicy carrot. And the best part is that since they don't take adderall, they get to be present and truly ENJOY it. I'm curious to hear peoples' favorite "carrots," the ones that help you motivate for hard work (Breaking Bad, anyone?) I want to start building "carrots" into my schedule and making deals with myself that if I get x y or z done, I get a b or c "carrot." I'm thinking this will also help stave off the post-adderall boredom, esp. since February is coming. Here is my list of possible carrots. Some are more "everyday," some are more "special." I feel like most of these are weekend activities rather than "everyday" carrots, but maybe that's the adderallic mind still telling me I'm "too busy." Lunch/dinner with a friend Calling a friend Going for a hike or walk or run Going out dancing Watching movies Just plain free time Hopefully, once I get it back together, painting/art time Going to the thrift store Getting a tattoo (e.g. after completing a really big project--I have several I've wanted for years...but have been "too busy" tweaking out to actually design or get.....LOL......) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SomedayDreamer Posted January 30, 2013 Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 Wow, we love the same carrots except no tatts for me (too scared). I have one sentimental "carrot" in store for myself when I reach 90 days... last year, my daughter gave me a pink quartz pendant carved into the shape of a tortoise (the antithesis of "speed"... how apropos) I want to get a nice sterling chain to wear it as a symbolic reminder to myself. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Posted January 31, 2013 Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 Naps Cooking dinner and drinking a glass of wine Downton Abbey ! Doing the crossword Catching up on political news Buying something I want (new clothes, something for the house, or whatever) Ice cream Just plain free time free of anxiety from not having gotten shit done 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Motivation_Follows_Action Posted January 31, 2013 Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 This really got me thinking. I don't think I have these things called "carrots". I just berate myself when I don't get something done. I guess I need to change that thinking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeHereNow Posted January 31, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 Yeah MIA... me too....... I think this is more of a goal than real life. I hope someday, somehow, I can actually motivate myself in this way, with carrots, and make it work. I too berate myself for not getting things done, for my brain not working the way it used to, and then skip directly to the carrot. It's not much of a carrot when you jump directly to it without the hard work. But I guess it's OK for now..... Moving in the direction of frogs and carrots, but not quite there yet. Maybe someday.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searchingsoul9 Posted January 31, 2013 Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 Brainstorming creative techniques of self-motivation, it occured to me that "normal" people take time for themselves and do fun things that make them happy. WOW imagine that?! The classic technique of rewarding hard work with a juicy carrot. And the best part is that since they don't take adderall, they get to be present and truly ENJOY it. I'm curious to hear peoples' favorite "carrots," the ones that help you motivate for hard work (Breaking Bad, anyone?) I want to start building "carrots" into my schedule and making deals with myself that if I get x y or z done, I get a b or c "carrot." I'm thinking this will also help stave off the post-adderall boredom, esp. since February is coming. Here is my list of possible carrots. Some are more "everyday," some are more "special." I feel like most of these are weekend activities rather than "everyday" carrots, but maybe that's the adderallic mind still telling me I'm "too busy." Lunch/dinner with a friend Calling a friend Going for a hike or walk or run Going out dancing Watching movies Just plain free time Hopefully, once I get it back together, painting/art time Going to the thrift store Getting a tattoo (e.g. after completing a really big project--I have several I've wanted for years...but have been "too busy" tweaking out to actually design or get.....LOL......) Yes TATTOO. I haven't gotten one since before the addies. I want to actually get an inspiring one. Not just for quitting the pills, but just a reminder that i am strong and can do anything i put my mind to. All your carrot ideas sound like good ones to me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeHereNow Posted February 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2013 More carrots. I need more "everyday" quick carrots that also activate the addicted/pleasure/reward center of my brain. So, here they are: Checking my phone Checking facebook Checking this website Doing anything on the internet Watching music videos Listening to music If I hold these more highly addictive carrots in front of my nose, and force myself to do something small before I can e.g. check my phone again, maybe that will help... I just got through 10 pages of reading this way....... Hoping I can summon this kind of willpower on a more regular basis..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 Carrot! Watching the ravens blowout the 49ers in the Super Bowl!!' Woohoo.. Also...a tray full of homemade brownies Red velvet cupcakes 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quit-once Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 Sometimes I use my biggest meal of the day (even with real corrots) as an incentive carrot. To quote Pink Floyd "how can you have any pudding if you don't eat your meat?" 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quit-once Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 Carrot! Watching the ravens blowout the 49ers in the Super Bowl!!' Woohoo.. Also...a tray full of homemade brownies Red velvet cupcakes what KIND of brownies, InRecovery? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Posted February 4, 2013 Report Share Posted February 4, 2013 what KIND of brownies, InRecovery? This is hands down the best recipe for brownies ever. Trust me. Bookmark it. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/outrageous-brownies-recipe3/index.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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