After a new pattern has become conditioned it is no longer necessary to have a reward every time the pattern is executed. In fact it is detrimental to the pattern. A new means of reinforcement must be found. If not then burnout or boredom may occur. Animal trainers know this with certainty, and it is no different for we humans. If you have raised children YOU know this with certainty.
In sales a great sales manager will constantly rotate incentives so that all sales persons will have an opportunity to win, and so that the top sales people remain constantly challenged. The same with athletes in their training, or in keeping a relationship spicy. The same vase of flowers every Friday ain’t going to cut it.
