Why I started giving myself gold stars
A few years ago, like many, I adopted the “treat yo’self” mentality that coincides with any really big, or incredibly minor, accomplishment in life. So much so, I crafted a beautiful Google Doc titled “ways to treat myself” ranging from convenient rewards, to inexpensive pick me ups, and everything else in between. This list absolved me from the inevitable decision fatigue that occurred immediately after completing a big project at work, leaving the dentist, or having that tough conversation I’ve been avoiding.
Things like blueberry muffins, a new candle for my room, or one of those flower bouquets that couples nicely with the rest of my Trader Joes haul, were all things that encouraged me to do the things I dislike most. The biggest problem was how momentary, monetary, and fleeting the feeling of these rewards became.
So.. I reverted back to my elementary school roots and treated myself like a child (in the best way possible).
Besides an underdog push on the swing, the best feeling in school was getting back a test and seeing that glowing, shiny gold star sicker on the top of your paper that signaled success to both you and all of your peers.
I now give myself a physical gold star and write beside it, the reason for acquiring the sticker, every time I accomplish something big or small. My previous treats lost their utility as soon as I used or… uhm, consumed them. This gold star notebook allows me to reflect on the things I’ve accomplished to remind me what I was capable of then and can accomplish again in the future.
I encouraged everyone to embrace the gold star method, especially as a way to avoid the need for validation from others, or the pat on the backs that are few and far between these days. Appreciation for the hard things is the destination, and gold stars are my vehicle to getting there.
