Rewarding yourself for good behaviour is a double-edged sword. It can be a motivational factor to keep you going, or it can be self-destructive, leading you to compromise on your long-term goals. It all boils down to how you handle ‘licensing’. This article delves into the concept of licensing, its impacts, and how to approach it in a balanced manner.
Understanding Licensing
Licensing is a psychological phenomenon where an individual feels that doing something good or positive grants them permission to do something perceived as bad or negative. This ‘reward’ system can often lead to a paradoxical scenario where the individual contradicts their long-term goals.
An Example of Licensing: The Runner’s Tale
Consider the example of a dedicated distance runner, who, despite being at the peak of his training, ended up neglecting an essential part of his routine – weight training. The rationale was that running 120 kilometres a week was in itself a form of strength training. This led to a strained lower back muscle and nerve pain, forcing him to abandon his goal race. In this case, the ‘good’ behaviour of running excessively gave him a perceived license to skip the ‘bad’ behaviour of neglecting weight training.
Licensing in Everyday Life
Licensing isn’t exclusive to athletes or fitness enthusiasts. It’s a common phenomenon that most of us engage in unwittingly. For instance, after a week of clean eating, indulging in a cheat day seems warranted. Or, you might feel more justified to have an ice cream after a hard workout. In essence, we all tend to license our behaviours to some extent.
Consequences of Licensing
As Michael Inzlicht, a social psychologist and neuroscientist at the University of Toronto, explains, licensing can lead to the avoidance of activities perceived as less fun or less rewarding. This can be particularly evident in health and wellness scenarios. Furthermore, excessive licensing can lead to the ‘what the heck’ effect, where initial transgressions are used to justify further ones, leading to a slippery slope of negative behaviours.
Striking a Balance: The Right Approach to Licensing
The key to dealing with licensing is not to ignore it but to manage it effectively. Planning rewards or ‘temptation bundling’ can help maintain consistency and motivation. For example, pairing a challenging task with something enjoyable can make the overall experience more palatable. This planned indulgence is more beneficial than a spontaneous one as it keeps you motivated and sane.
Conclusion: Harnessing Licensing for Better Outcomes
Licensing, when handled correctly, can be a powerful motivational tool. The trick lies in planning rewards and ensuring that the ‘good’ behaviour does not overshadow or justify the ‘bad’. By maintaining this balance, licensing can help keep things fun, motivating, and in perspective, leading to a healthier and more productive lifestyle.
