While working on my thesis in college I spent a lot of time learning theory after theory to make sense of politics (or at least try).  The Carrot & Stick Theory stuck with me and I think about it often.  What motivates us?  Our carrots.  The stick is the driving force that pushes us.  Using this theory in my own life really clicked over the past several years but just recently even more so.  I teach fitness classes and run weight loss programs in my community and find myself thinking of this theory often.  In my mind I’m trying to come up with things I can say to my clients to encourage them to not give up!  How can I help them work just a little stronger, a little longer, with a little better form, or stay on track with their nutrition and weight loss journey.  It has occurred to me that it depends on the individual and that what motivates each of us can be so different.  How we want to evolve as a human is so personal.  If I ask them to think about what motivates them (their carrot)  maybe that will have more of an impact on them than simply telling them to work harder or telling them to try harder.   With this theory in my mind, if I can inspire clients to connect to their own goals the result will be a better effort and true change.  The carrot….