Token goals can be a huge factor regarding an athlete’s inner motivation to achieve a goal. When I played football, only the players who gave the greatest effort received a custom made t-shirt. It was a simple reward, however it inducted them into a club encompassing many past and present players. The t-shirt became a symbol for toughness and every player wanted it. Successful rehabilitation for athletes could be expedited if a token reward such as badge or small trinket is presented upon completion of a return-to-play program.
