Step 16: Andrew’s Case

Andrew, too, initially avoided the use of any rewards. He thought it was “bribery” and didn’t represent genuine change. He is hardly alone in this line of thought. But, immoral bribery is different from justly earned reinforcement. Bribery refers to using gifts or favors to distort someone’s judgment or to corrupt someone’s conduct. By contrast, the rewards we are encouraging are open, contractual, and used to improve your judgment and behavior. It took some time but Andrew eventually came along, realizing that tangible rewards are an ordinary part of life and work.

If you, like Andrew, oppose self-rewards because you think they represent bribery and don’t lead to real change, or, if like Monique, rely on punishment and condemnation to modify your behavior, then please reconsider your beliefs in light of the science. You don’t need to be a radical behaviorist to see that rewards work well - for others and for yourself.

Have your thoughts regarding rewarding changed since you've started this growth path?