Life Coaching Tip: At first glance, “treats” may not seem like a traditional strategy, but as it turns out, they are powerful. Often, forming new, healthy habits can feel like a monumental task. It requires time, energy, and determination. That’s where treats come in—small, simple pleasures that keep you feeling inspired and boost your chances of success.
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As I wrap up the series on habit strategies, I want to share one last (and possibly surprising) tip: The Strategy of Treats.
Why Treats Work
Treats are all about giving yourself a little something joyful just because. They’re moments of sweet indulgences that can recharge you—emotionally, mentally, or even physically—without guilt.
When you give yourself treats, you’re likely to feel energized, cared for, and content, which boosts your sense of self-control and overall happiness. That positive energy then helps you stay on track with your habits and maintain the momentum you’ve worked so hard to build.
When you give more to yourself, you can ask more from yourself!
You don’t have to wait for an achievement to feel worthy of a treat. Letting yourself enjoy life in the everyday moments builds your resilience and fosters a mindset of abundance, sufficiency, and expansion.
The Trap of Deprivation
Without regular, intentional treats, many of us start to feel depleted, resentful, or even angry, especially when we’re pushing ourselves too hard. When we’re not nourishing ourselves with small pleasures, we crave comfort—and sometimes, grabbing that comfort leads us to abandon the habits we’ve been trying to build.
But imagine this: You’ve got a list of treats to turn to whenever you need a quick pick-me-up. These are low-effort, high-reward indulgences that don’t require much planning but always make you feel good. Instead of reaching for unhealthy coping mechanisms, you have options that rejuvenate your spirit while keeping you aligned with your goals.
Creating Your Treat List
Alrighty, now it’s time to create your very own list of little delights that will keep you refreshed and inspired. Here are a few examples from my list to spark your imagination:
- A “fur therapy” session with my pup, Ginger
- Catching up with my neighbors while out on a quick walk
- Dancing to a feel-good song
- Reading a few pages of a novel while sipping my morning coffee
- Taking a 10-minute power nap
- Enjoying a gorgeous view for a few moments
- Collecting sea glass along the lake shore
These treats don’t take much time, but they instantly elevate my mood, help me reconnect with the present moment, and boost my energy.
Now it’s your turn. What will your treat list look like? Get creative and think about the small pleasures that light you up. Perhaps it’s savoring a fragrant cup of tea, soaking in a bubble bath, or walking in nature.
Whatever makes you smile, that’s your treat.
I encourage you to sprinkle these treats into your daily life. When you make room for these moments of joy, you’ll feel more centered, energized, and ready to tackle your goals.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s spice up your life with a little self-love and implement in the Strategy of Treats!
xo Tracy
PS – While treats are wonderful for boosting inspiration, remember to choose those that support your long-term well-being. Avoid the kind of treats that will sabotage your progress—such as cocktails, junk food, and overspending.
PPS – Treats are different from rewards. A reward implies that you must “earn” something before you can enjoy it. Contrary to popular belief, rewards are not necessarily helpful for habit formation, because a reward teaches you that you wouldn’t do a particular activity for its own sake, but only for that reward; therefore, you learn to associate the activity with deprivation or suffering. Shifting your mindset away from deprivation and toward intrinsic satisfaction makes all the difference in creating lasting habits. When you focus on intrinsic motivators, such as curiosity, challenge, creativity, and connection, your habits become more sustainable and fulfilling.
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