health

‘I get a gold star when I go to the gym’: the adults using sticker charts for motivation

From doing chores to staying away from exes, some adults are buying sticker charts to help stick to their goals

‘I get a gold star when I go to the gym’: the adults using sticker charts for motivation

TL;DR

  • Adults are using sticker charts for self-motivation, finding them more effective than apps or watches.
  • Bek Gray lost 142lb after a gastric sleeve by using sticker charts to track gym visits and other healthy habits.
  • Lucy Mountain's business, Silly Little Star Charts, sells charts for various goals and has become a successful income source.
  • Psychologists explain that rewards, even simple stickers, tap into human nature and the drive for accomplishment.
  • Sticker charts help make long-term goals feel achievable by breaking them down into daily, completable tasks.
  • The 'what the hell effect' can cause demotivation after a slip-up, but skip days with silver stars can help maintain momentum.
  • Some experts warn that sticker charts can lead to a feeling of being controlled, potentially backfiring over time.
  • Adults are opting for physical charts over phone apps due to screen fatigue.
  • While effective, sticker charts may not be a sustainable long-term solution; finding intrinsic enjoyment in activities is key.
  • Google searches for 'adult sticker charts' have reached a five-year high.