self-reinforcement

As I read the chapter I became amused with myself at the ways I practice self-reinforcement. Even as I sat down to write this I fed myself a piece of chocolate. Through this skill I have encouraged myself to do many things that I had to do for my own good. I honestly used to say to myself' "ok, if you go to work, I 'll buy you a latte". That was very motivating to me and I figured that the price of a latte is better than losing a day's wages. I often tell myself that if I finish my homework then I can watch TV. I guess it is sort of pathetic that I pretty much only reinforce myself with candy, coffee and TV. Although, last year I used to buy myself a plant at Target every time I got through a particularly rough day at school. I had an enormous garden.

I guess we are teaching our students to self-reinforce by reinforcing their bahavior. Are there more effective ways to teach this. Is it worth while to teach self- reinforcement? What are some ways that you practice self-reinforcement?