Total failure...
Sadly, I have not exercised for a long time. Since the weather is so hot lately, my punishment of not eating ice cream but watching people eat them worked very well. I don't think this whole conditioning is working for me, because like I said before, I'm doing this on myself, and I can easily get out of any punishment I give myself. Since I could not eat ice cream, I ate shaved ice. These two ARE different, but they bring the same result. Instead of punishing myself for not working out, I think I would do better when I actually DECIDE to change my habits.
I am going to exercise tomorrow, because my friend will be off from work on Thursday. I plan to work out every night from now on, instead of three days a week. My "transfer-itis" is getting a lot better especially after my new laptop arrived.
The punishments helped me, but did not last very long. Hopefully, my decision to change will be a long term one.
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Making yourself work out is hard! And you're right, the whole punishment/reward thing doesn't work out if they are not implemented(something Im having trouble with) or if they are not strong enough.
ReplyDeleteYou need something else to really motivate you. Picture yourself looking good for summer and people being awed by your amazingly toned body! Or something that helped me was watching the Biggest Loser. The people on the show have gotten amazing results, and its really inspiring to see how people can change their lives by staying in shape. I hope this week goes better for you- good luck!
Hey Iuri, I also have the same problem with working out in that once you decide one day that you want to take a break, the next day you take another break and the cycle repeats itself. That's why I had to design my program with a very severe punishment if I even decide to take one day off. I don't think your punishment isn't severe enough as that giving up ice cream and watching others eat it doesn't seem that severe, but it could be for you.
ReplyDeleteYou should have someone else hold you accountable such as your friend that will help administer the reinforcements and the punishments. You should also definately pick a workout schedule and revolve your operant conditioning on meeting those scheduled times because it should remove some stress about deciding when to work out.
I am sorry to hear about this week's downturn. However, if you did good in the previous weeks you should not take this one week so hard. It is just a little bump, and you if you continue to work hard and take it week by week this ought not to affect you as much.
ReplyDeleteNext week, or if you continue with the program even after psych is over, will probably have better results since you might be less stressed out about school, which will almost be over by then. Also, the rewards/punishments debate about which is more effective can help choose and make a better program just in case you're stuck with one that doesn't work well.
Hi IuRi!
ReplyDeleteO.o shaved ice and icecream ARE very different...creamy cold goodness that comes in a wide variety v. watery, hard flavored ice. -.- not pleasant. But anyway I really agree that the conditioning fails to be strong because you are imposing it on yourself, and even with a friend to help you, things can change for them which in turn ruins your progress. You really have a lot on your plate so try not to stress about it so much. I read that just 30-45 min on a treadmill can show some improvements in health http://www.exercise-with-treadmill.com/45minutetreadmillworkout.html . so while you walk you could be reading something or trying to fit something else in.
You really need to find something that can make you want to go work out. Something has to motivate you and be strong enough that it works even when you don't want to do it. Hopefully you can find something to fit into your schedule. Hope your semester goes well, and that you come to a decision about the bike or going out of state! Wish you the best!
p.s. love your new laptop!