I’m standing at the register, just need to pay and success. A tantrum free shopping experience, when it starts, the ultimate meltdown. I do everything to try and calm her down to no avail, I look around to find the first REWARD I can offer. A candy bar, ice cream or toy, anything to just get her to stop crying.
While preparing for our upcoming pageant, I was asked: “what’s the prize package?” As I went to answer, it dawned on me that I had no idea; I never did look to see what she would WIN. It never occurred to me that I should. It reminded me that the REWARD she is receiving isn’t tangible. It’s not a shiny new car; it’s not a teddy bear or trophy.
The REWARD is so much more, it’s the confidence she gains as she learns how to present herself in front of an audience. Its learning how to interview and what it truly means to GIVE BACK to the community. It’s a self-awareness through personal growth.
“The worries of life, the deceitful pleasures of riches, and the desires for other things take over. They choke the word so that it can’t produce anything.” Mark 4:19
Understanding the intangible REWARD is not easy, and is taught to us through others over time. Standing at the checkout with a crying toddler, instantly I reach for the REWARD, because in that moment with everyone looking at me I just want to calm her and that is OK. Often, I say “I wouldn’t work if I didn’t get paid.”
Rewards are important.
BUT they are not necessary and shouldn’t be expected. If we are doing something solely for the TANGIBLE, we might miss out on something amazing. An opportunity to grow and learn from those around you, a moment of inspiration or a moment to inspire others.
I challenge you today to refocus the lens, to look for the intangible REWARD, to look at the BIG picture, not just what’s in front of you.
The tangible often overshadows that which is intangible, because I can touch it and can see it, BUT the reward of the intangible is GREATER than that of the tangible.
I absolutely love this! The best things in this life are things we can’t touch or see. These are usually the most worthwhile things too! <3
I love this. Not all rewards are tangible. My friend’s daughter has been in pagents for a long time now and she loves it.
I just love this! You are right, not all rewards and tangible and they often are the most important things we can have in life!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
Love this. Good reminder. We often reward our kids with toys, but need to find a new way.
Awesome post,we are actually dealing with toddler tantrums right now. I will remember this next time.
Great post! Too often, kids get rewards just for about anything now days. It’s more important to focus on the ones you cant see
“If we are doing something solely for the TANGIBLE, we might miss out on something amazing. An opportunity to grow and learn from those around you, a moment of inspiration or a moment to inspire others.” This hit home for me. It is s easy to get to distracted by the day to day and miss out on the moments that actually matter. Thank you for this!
Yes! I very much agree. Attaining the things we can see or touch is so much more important than gaining the tangible. Some of the same reasons you listed for loving pageants for your daughter is similar to why I like having our daughter in gymnastics 🙂
This is so good to remember. As a new blogger I have to remind myself that building relationships and sharing my thoughts is reward for now (with hopes of being more monetarily successful down the road out of sight at the moment).
I agree intangible rewards are so important. It feels good to be internally rewarded.
It is so important for everyone to understand this. Expecting rewards for everything is only going to set people up for failure.