As of right now, I am still very happy that I haven't forgotten postings since I already have 18 points taken from the previous late postings and comments. So far, I have continued the same process of paying myself two dollars for each time I check my planner. The good part of this is that I like the feeling of getting something but the downside is that I don't have extra cash all the time and so I usually use my debit card if I really need to buy something. However, most of the time, I try to reward myself at the end of the week knowing that I have accomplished everything that I am suppose to. That $2 Positive fixed ratio reinforcement is helping but I have realized that this is only temporary. For some reason, I really like change. I am sure everyone does but change is what makes my life fun and makes me rejuvenated for each upcoming day. If I knew I had to live each day exactly the same, then I would really have no motivation to live. So, knowing this, I decided to not only change my behavior but my attitude. Ever since I have adopted a new way of perceiving this planner of mine, I have felt much better about doing homework. Instead of feeling like it is a burden and opening the planner just reminds me of the numerous things I have to do, I think of it as something that makes me focused, organized, and will help me be a more successful person. My planner is no longer something I have to check to earn two bucks nor is it something I do for this Psychology behavioral change, it is a good friend that helps remember things for me and keeps me in check.
On top of the attitude, I still maintain the two dollar rewards. I think everyone likes rewards and I am a part of that. Even though it is minor, two dollars each time still adds up and that gives me my budget at the end of the week or two weeks on the amount of money I can spend shopping or going out with friends. I still think this was a good plan because positivity motivates me and the more I like something, the more I will do it on a voluntary basis. On the other hand, if I had punished myself for not checking or forgetting to post, then I would feel sad, depressed, and eventually lose my motivation to be on task. With this said, I am super happy that I am making progress.
Yes, I do believe this operant conditioning plan is working. I started off with forgetting to post my second postings and fourth posting to being on task again. I really like operant conditioning theory because it shows you that you can change behaviors. Even if your twenty years old like me, you can still teach an old dog new tricks. However, I believe operant conditioning to be something that is only physical and therefore short-lived. The only way I think I can change myself for the long term is through a change in behavior. With this said, I do believe positive reinforcements will help a person feel better and therefore be energized to change for the future.
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