Treating yourself has become a cultural phenomenon. We all know what it means when we hear it, and we all hear it all the time.

At its core, it’s a sweet slogan. We should treat ourselves and take care of ourselves, and we should be allowed to enjoy ourselves.

There is one downside to this idea though. 

How many times have you heard someone say “treat yourself” to justify buying something they don’t need or doing something that isn’t really a great idea. Doing something that will be fun now, but a headache later.

The sentiment itself is wholesome. You deserve to feel good and you deserve a treat from time to time. But, more often than not, the actions that come from the sentiment can lead to long term consequences (treating your present self while making your future self unhappy). That’s because “from time to time” can quickly become “anytime I think about treating myself I do, I deserve it”.

That’s why I feel weary whenever I think I should treat myself. Would a treat really be a great idea right now? Can I afford it or should I wait for the treat?

A lot of times delayed gratification can seem boring, but in the end it usually leads to an even better treat. If I skip out on chick fil a for a few days, I’ll have enough money for the occasion when my mom asks if I want to see a movie. If I don’t skip out on chick fil a, I won’t have money for the movie. A little delayed gratification can have a big impact.

Treat yourself to financial security, physical wellness, and mental peace.

I’m not criticizing the treat yourself movement, or trying to be a killjoy, I just want to be intentional about how I treat myself. This simple change can be the difference between meeting my long term goals and not meeting them.

If I actually earn a treat, like how I got a new pair of running shoes when I got a bonus at work for passing my certification exam, then I will treat myself. It was earned, thought over, and didn’t affect any of my long term goals negatively.

If I want a treat, but I would be better off not spending unneeded money or eating something that will make me feel awful later, I’ll find a way to treat myself that doesn’t compromise my goals. Maybe instead of Chick Fil A I’ll treat myself to some animal crossing and quality relaxing time later.

Treat yourself in ways that don’t impede your goals. THAT is treating yourself. No headache later, no regrets, and no jumping the gun on a treat you might have not earned yet.

It feels good to treat yourself when you accomplish a goal. It feels good to treat yourself in big ways when you feel you’ve truly earned that treat.

Treat yourself, but do so with intention. Treat yourself in ways that actually make you feel good now, and in the future. Don’t use the phrase “Treat Yourself” to justify bad behavior. Treating yourself too often can actually keep you from feeling the satisfaction of working hard and being patient.

Don’t fall for the idea that you’re boring or not living your best life by withholding yourself from a treat. 

Treat yourself, don’t over treat yourself.

Stay Psyched,

Vicky Diaz