Not long ago, I went hiking. We started early, but the heat was still relentless, the climb tough, and there were plenty of moments when I thought: why am I doing this?

And then, we arrived. The view opened up to a hidden oasis… breathtaking, magnificent, and worth every demanding step. The reward was not just in the view, but in the feeling of having earned it.

That hike reminded me of my early days delivering transformational programmes. Some of them stretched across seven days or more. The preparation was intense, the anticipation high, and the delivery itself all-consuming. When the programme ended, there was always a strange lull. Almost an anti-climax. The “what next?” moment.

Very early on, I learned not to let that lull drain me. I would plan something special, a treat, an experience or a quiet reward. Not waiting for someone else to acknowledge the effort and making sure I did.

The Reward Paradox at Work

In the workplace, many employees expect recognition and rewards to come from their employers. And of course, it often does in the form of bonuses, promotions, annual reviews, or words of appreciation. But rewards can take time to filter down, and sometimes they don’t arrive when you most need them.

The paradox is this: while we expect others to reward us, the person best placed to do it consistently is ourselves.

As an entrepreneur, I now wear both hats -  employer and employee. I know how easy it is to drive forward, to keep striving, and to forget to celebrate milestones along the way. But just like the hike, just like those long programs, the effort only feels complete when there’s space for reward.

Rewarding yourself isn’t indulgence. It’s a conscious recognition of effort, progress, and completion. It creates closure, resets your energy, and primes you for the next challenge.

Whether you’re an employee, a leader, or a solopreneur, the question is worth asking:

What are the rewards you give yourself?

Maybe it’s a quiet morning off, a dinner with friends, a weekend adventure, or simply time to reflect. What matters is that you choose it, rather than waiting for someone else to deliver it.

Work, like life, can often feel like a steep climb under the heat of pressure, deadlines, and expectations. But the hidden oasis is always there. Rather than wait for someone else to guide you to it, find it, claim it, and reward yourself along the way.

Because when you do, you’re doing more than rewarding your effort, you’re reinforcing your own worth.

About the Author

Dr. Carol Talbot is a global keynote speaker, best-selling author, and founder of The Possibility Hub. With a PhD in Quantum Morphogenetic Physics, she pioneers the field of Multi-Dimensional Intelligence (MQ) and supports leaders to rewire their DNA blueprint for impact, clarity, and coherent influence. Connect with her work at www.caroltalbot.me.

https://thepossibilityhub.com/