Bribery will get you everywhere
Once upon a time (or, more specifically, just over a year ago) I made a deal with myself. I knew I needed to lose 25lbs, and I thought maybe an incentive system would push me to reach my goal. Hey, it works with the kids, right? Why not me? So I decided that for every 5 pounds I lost, I would make myself a fun new skirt.
In a fit of optimism, I bought three new fabrics:
- A fun Valentine’s Day print to add to my holiday skirt collection (I lost that first 5lbs just in the nick of time)
- A bold Alexander Henry floral so that I could make a skirt like this one.
- A print from Tina Givens’ Zazu collection that was just begging to be a skirt.
After the first success, I hate to say it, but I never lost another pound. In fact, over the course of the following 11 months, I gained the first five back and a few of its friends. Blarg.
I know. You’re probably saying, “but wait – I know you’ve made more skirts in that time! What gives?” Well, yes, I have. That’s because there were amendments to the rule, as time went on. There were the “it doesn’t count if it’s for a once-in-a-lifetime event” modification, the “thrifted vintage linens are exempt” addendum, and the ever popular, “but it’s Christmas!” amendment.
I never claimed to be perfect 
Through all of that, though, I never touched the two fabrics that I bought specifically for the weight-loss incentive skirts.
Until Sunday, that is. I got back on the wagon earlier this month, and last week I reached my first five pound goal. And even if it’s the same five pounds I lost a year ago, I still think it’s skirt-worthy, right?!
Now. Let’s hope it’s not another year before I cut into the Alexander Henry stuff
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Categories: sewing, show and tell
Tags: incentives, skirts, weight loss
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That’s a very skirt-worthy achievement! And a very fabulous skirt (I adore that print)! Oh, and your wall color is gorgeous too!
See what Jona has been blogging about: More scrappy therapy
Good for you!
I like your incentive plan – I need to come up with one for myself.
See what beki has been blogging about: happy mardi gras!
I’ve used the same incentive!
By the way, there was an article in today’s Bozeman Daily Chronicle on the CPSIA. A local columnist expressed her concern about the toys and children’s items that were being pulled off the thrift store shelves.
See what Marty has been blogging about: Getting Them Done!
You go!!!!!!!!!!!! 5 lbs is 5 lbs and yes it counts and is skirt worthy!!
Heck, I’d say losing 5 pounds is worth a skirt AND a top! I’m trying to lose a few pounds myselft. Tough, isn’t it?
keep up the good work. soon you’ll be making a new skirt for losing 10 lbs. The weight battle is never fun. I’ve been “dieting” for 7 months…30 lbs off. I may have to starting making skirts myself. I need a new reward system.
That is fantastic – cool skirt too.
See what Deb has been blogging about: Take a Breath!
Losing weight is such a pain. Good luck and more power to you. I love the skirts that you make. Is there a specific pattern you use? If so any idea where I might pick one up? Thanks and good luck with the weight war. (I’m right there with you)
See what loveaphid has been blogging about: #44