The wonderful Feeling from Receiving a Small Reward

Frances Gallagher Author

Oct 19, 2024 |

The joy of receiving small rewards and how recognition, no matter the size, boosts motivation and happiness.

The Wonderful Feeling of Receiving a Small Reward

There’s something magical about receiving a reward, isn’t there? Whether it’s a shiny trophy or, in some cases, a lovely mug and water bottle, there’s just something about it that brightens up your day. You can’t help but smile, feeling like you’ve just won the lottery, even if the prize is something as simple as a t-shirt or a cup. It’s not about the size or the value of the reward but rather the joy and recognition that comes along with it.

Let me tell you about Frances Gallagher, who received a reward that left her grinning from ear to ear. "Hi there!" Frances begins, her excitement practically jumping through the screen, "My name is Frances Gallagher. I'm from Lir Business Services and Training Centre. And of course, I got this in the post this week... I came second for Shout About Zenler Month. I'm totally delighted! I got a lovely t-shirt... and to top it all, I got my water bottle!"​ 

Frances might not have been first place, but you wouldn’t know it from the way she lit up talking about her goodies. It wasn’t just a t-shirt and a water bottle – it was a badge of pride, a testament to her work and her participation.

What’s more, she wasn’t shy about how receiving this reward made her feel. "I'm so proud to be part of the Zenler Community!" she said, gushing over the platform recognising her efforts  And honestly, who wouldn’t? Frances' delight wasn’t just about the physical items; it was about feeling acknowledged and celebrated, something we all crave in both our personal and professional lives.

Small Gestures, Big Impact

Rewards, no matter how small, can have a tremendous impact. You don’t need to receive a massive trophy or a grand prize for it to feel meaningful. Sometimes, the best rewards are the simplest ones. It’s the principle of recognition – someone noticed your efforts, and that feels fantastic.

Now, we’ve all been there, right? Whether it's getting a "Well done!" from a boss, a star on your assignment back in school, or a random gift from a company you're working with, there’s a little thrill that comes with being appreciated. It's like an unexpected pat on the back from the universe, reminding you that you're doing well.

Take a moment to reflect on how you’ve felt when you received something small as a reward. Perhaps it was a little bonus for a job well done, a token of appreciation from a friend, or even a free coffee at your favourite café. In that moment, you probably felt valued, right? Suddenly, the world feels like a friendlier place where your hard work or loyalty has been noticed.

Frances and the Magic Mug

Let’s circle back to Frances and her marvellous reward. "I got a lovely mug," she says, proudly holding it up as if it were the Olympic torch​. Now, to some people, a mug might seem like a fairly standard, everyday item. But to Frances, it symbolised something much bigger. It was proof of her involvement, her success, and, most importantly, the recognition of her contributions.

Imagine her sitting down, sipping from her new mug, perhaps feeling just a little bit more accomplished with every sip. It’s not just about drinking water anymore – it’s about drinking success, one drop at a time!

In the workshop chat, participants chimed in with their own thoughts on rewards, many echoing Frances' feelings. One commented, “It’s the little things that make a big difference. Even a simple reward can keep me motivated for days!” Another agreed, adding, “Absolutely! It’s not about the material value; it’s about the recognition that comes with it. That’s what matters most.”

These messages from participants highlight a universal truth – rewards are about more than just what you get. They’re about the message behind them, the feeling of being seen and appreciated.

Why Small Rewards Work

So why do small rewards have such a big impact on us? Psychology gives us some insights into this. When we receive any kind of reward, our brain releases dopamine – the "feel-good" chemical. Abraham Maslow waxed lyrical about it - his fourth level on the Hierarchy of Rewards. It’s a burst of pleasure that encourages us to repeat whatever behaviour led to the reward in the first place. Even if the reward is small, our brains are wired to seek out those positive feelings again and again. In essence, rewards make us feel good and motivate us to keep going.

This is why companies use loyalty programs or employee recognition schemes. A small gesture like a thank-you note or a branded pen can go a long way in fostering loyalty and motivation. It’s not the item itself that holds value – it’s the acknowledgement and the positive emotions tied to it.

Frances’s reward might have been a mug, a t-shirt, and a water bottle, but what those items represented to her was so much more. It was a thank-you for her hard work, her dedication, and her involvement. And let’s be real – who wouldn’t want to drink more water when it’s coming from a bottle that says, “You did great!”

The Fun of It All

But beyond all the deep psychology and motivational theory, let’s not forget one simple truth: rewards are just plain fun! Who doesn’t love receiving something, especially when you weren’t expecting it?

Frances’s excitement was contagious. “I’m totally delighted,” she repeated, unable to hide her joy. And who could blame her? There’s something exhilarating about getting a little prize, no matter what it is. It adds a dash of excitement to the mundane and gives us something to smile about.

One participant in the chat said it perfectly: “Sometimes, life just feels better with a little reward. It’s like the universe is giving you a high-five!” And indeed, that’s exactly what a reward feels like – a cosmic high-five that reminds us we’re doing something right.

In Conclusion

The wonderful feeling of receiving a small reward isn’t just about the item itself. It’s about the emotions tied to it – the recognition, the motivation, the fun. Whether it’s a mug, a t-shirt, or a simple “thank you,” these small gestures have a huge impact on our mood, our drive, and our sense of accomplishment.

As Frances so wonderfully demonstrated, it doesn’t take much to feel appreciated. A mug and a water bottle can go a long way when they’re accompanied by a heartfelt recognition of your efforts. So next time you receive a small reward, having successfully completed one of our Online Courses for progressing in your Career, take a moment to savour it – because it’s not just about the item, it’s about the wonderful feeling that comes with it.

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Categories: : Blended, entrepreneur, Start Your Own Business, Training