How do you reward yourself after good business? Is it vacation, new car or something simple like a drink?
I always have a little list with new stuff I would like to buy (like probably everybody has). Last time I bought myself a new MacBook Pro, although it's been a few months it sill makes me smile when I use it. So yea, you can say that was one of the better "rewards" (I have to use it for work as well though, so I keep telling myself I "needed" it as well).
it depends on what you want out of life. Some people want nothing more then to live comfortable and party. Others, want to become as rich as possible. Some just want a nice house. Others, a new car. It comes down to personal choice. I like to invest in my own businesses more then anything.
I guess it depends upon how "good" the business is. Sometimes it's just a few drinks with a really nice dinner and a suite at the casino. Other times it might be a trip across the country or the occasional new car or whatever.
At first, I rewarded myself by paying off bills. After the recession hit, we got pretty deep into hot water, but that is all turned around now...thank you Lord!!! Now we are buying new furniture and saving for a house. For immediate gradification, I go out and buy a nice bottle of wine!
I usually don't do much more than a nice meal. I've always had the idea that if I start rewarding myself on large successes instead of putting the excess back into some way to make it grow, it won't last long. So anyhow, I don't eat up my successes and profits with large vacations or cars... I try to make it grow and that way I don't have to worry about it disappearing too fast.
Cigars. Definitely cigars. I always have a humidor full of MonteCristos for that special time. Sometimes a bit of Johnny Walker to go with it. Cigars come first though.
I like to go out and eat out at some fancy place. With my friends, of course. And then go to someone's place and watch a movie, hang out. Maybe go to a party, get a little drunk. That's my way of rewarding myself.
Success is a reward in itself. You dont need to spend your success to reward yourself, that can be counter-active. If you are feeling overly comfortable after some recent success, why not take some of that money in store it in a safe inside of your home? Add some money into a safe storage and take away some of that comfort level that is telling you to blow your money on something you likely do not need. Play small or think big, it's your choice.
I like to go to the movies with friends and then have a game night all in the same day. If I've made great progress in a project or completed a tough problem, I figure I need the reward! Everyone needs to have a healthy balance of work and rewards in their life. I recommend setting up a personal rewards system. This will encourage you to get more work done and stay on task. It will also net you some nice bonuses for yourself (in your mind, anyway, not to the rest of the world)! If anyone has a personal rewards system set up, I'd like to hear about it. I'm sure others would too.