"Charting my Course"

I decided to create a personal reward system for myself. Some friends have called it an incentive program. That's what it is. Here's how it works:



I've created a document in word where I keep track of the points I've earned. I made a table with the days of the month down the side and the things I do to earn points at the top. I've decided I earn points for things like doing the laundry: if I wash and dry it (1), fold it (1), and put it away (2). Other things on the list include cleaning the bathroom, (yes toilet, tub, sink and mirror each earn separate points), vacuuming the living, vacuuming the bedrooms, dusting, loading the dishwasher, unloading it, sweep, mop and make dinner. And then I earn points for things on a spiritual level: if I read my scriptures or the Ensign, write in my journal, go to bed before 11, get up before 9. And I have a column for "service."

When I get 30 points I earn $3. I can save up my dollars and buy something more expensive but usually the $3 is enough. It typically takes me 5 days to earn 30 points so it usually works out that I get a "treat" every week. I've also established a rule with myself that I can't use "future" points or else I have to earn 40 for the same $3. And keep in mind these are real dollars. Not hypothetical ones or Monopoly money. It's cash, Baby!

Days where I'm close to earning my $3 and want to go out, I can chose to do extra things from the list to get there faster. I have not put a cap on how many points I can earn in a day so I'm free to do as many jobs around the house I want. Nice of me, I know. Some of you might be thinking it's a little chinxy of me to have a column for service because then I could go out and do a bunch of things for people and get points. But this is the only column where I don't do it to get points. If I happened to have served someone in some way at the end of the day, then I put a point down.

Keep in mind, I am the one in control of the points. If I feel like I put forth an exceptional amount of effort, I earn extra points. For instance, I already earn two(2) points for putting the clothes away. But I've decided I can make it three if I put them away right after I fold them. And I mean right after. Unless I've stopped to help the kids or play with them or give them attention. It's important to realize what is or should be a priority. None of this "Edin, leave me alone. I'm earning a point here!"

A few benefits of incentive program are that I've found I do things with a better spirit. I don't mind going the dishes because I know I'm earning money I can spend on myself. I clean the bathroom more often because it's a way to get more points. And when I'm out and about with the kids and I want a treat I have to have earned it or I pass it by. It means I spend less money on treating myself and I don't feel guilty when I do.

A few logistics: You'll notice in the picture that there are a bunch of rows in different colors. I highlight the points that equal 30. After I spend the points, I write where I spent the money somewhere within that colored block. I've been to Arby's, the dollar store, and most recently Wendy's (which was a waste of money and I'm mad.)

This system works pretty well for me because I'm content with $3. For some it might not seem like enough. And for those of you who've been around me lately, you know that I'm a bit obsessed with Burger King's Straberry Milkshake. And they happen to be anywhere from $1.50-$2, depending on my size choice.

Again, there's no one breathing down my neck to follow the rules and to make things exact. The other day I earned 6 points for going to the temple. I put in the service column and felt quite proud of myself for going. Thus the extra points. I've allotted more points to things I particularly dislike doing or need extra motivation to do: cleaning the mirror in the bathroom, dusting, putting landry away. I also thought it was okay to earn points for everyday things like doing my hair. I get a point for styling it down and 1/2 point for styling it up. I hate doing my hair so now I've got an exuse. James suggested I could add a columb for parenting things like if I react well to Edin's tantrums. Maybe I could generalize it and mark it at the end of the day whether I feel like I did a good job as a mommy or if I feel like I was too...mean. There, I said it.

I think my insentive program is very adaptible and any one needing a "pick-me-up" in their life could use it. I named it "Charting My Course," which is totally cheesey but somehow that adds to the pleasure of it all.