The power of positive reinforcement should not be underestimated! And how many other tasks you undertake require as much time, effort and dedication as walking 1000 miles?
You will flippin' well deserve a treat when you reach your target mileage, whether it's 500, 1000, or even more – and it will help cement the memory and the pride of THAT year you did THAT amazing thing.
So come on, let us know how you plan to reward yourself or celebrate your completion. And if you haven't thought of something – now's your chance to crib some inspiration. A special place to complete? A lovely reward to buy? A meaningful thing to do? We don't mind what it might be. We do want you to plant a seedling of delight in the greenhouse of your not-too-distant future – and we’ll feature our favourites in Country Walking! Comment your reward idea in this thread on Facebook.
Why rewarding yourself is Important
Our brains are wired for pleasure when we receive positive reinforcement, releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter that brings feelings of pleasure and happiness.
Studies have shown extrinsic reward not only increases motivation and effort in completing a task, but also increase the likelihood of participants continuing the activity that earned them the reward.
Rewarding ourselves for tasks accomplished can improve our self-esteem, reinforcing a sense of self-efficacy – our belief in our ability to succeed, which can itself improve future performance. When we feel confident about our abilities, we are more likely to tackle bigger challenges, take on more responsibility, and achieve our goals.
