21 Individuals Share Precisely What It's Like To Win A Year's Supply Of Something

Isn't victory like no other feeling at all? You constantly see advertisements for chances to win a year's worth of something, but who actually enters?

Who then truly triumphs? I suppose someone does.

What it's like to receive a year's worth of something isn't really talked about. Is it a sudden onset?

Do you receive a small sum each month? How does it function?

These are the stories of those who received something for an entire year and found that it wasn't as good as you might have thought. A year's worth of chicken nuggets sounds great until you reach month 10 and discover you aren't allowed to consume any more. 

According to Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a happiness researcher, “The joy of winning can quickly turn into a burden if expectations are not managed.” He emphasizes the importance of understanding the implications of such wins. So keep scrolling and enjoy!

1. Bagels

“An Einstein Bros. Bagels had a grand opening a couple years ago and were giving a year’s worth of coffee and bagels to the first 20 people in line. I told my boyfriend I’d be waking up early to go, and he laughed at me and said there was no way I’d actually do it (I like sleep; I love bagels).We made a bet that if I went, he’d stop incessantly asking for a second cat for a year. If I didn’t, we’d get a second cat and name it Bagels. I went and got a pad of coupons (each valid for one week of the year) for a free bagel with cream cheese and coffee. Somehow, we also got a cat named Bagels a few months later.”adrianao4caf40365

2. Chipotle

“I won Chipotle for a year from my local radio station! It was amazing. They sent me a deck of cards (52 cards total) to use on anything at Chipotle with FREE guac.I was in college, and it was perfect for me! Of course, I shared with my siblings and friends, and I still remember eating the very last free Chipotle meal. It was sad to see the end!”elizabethm48b3c300b

3. Chocolate

“I won a year’s worth of chocolate. I’m not a huge fan of chocolate; I’m more of a savory person myself. So, I was expecting my winnings to last well over a year. It ended up lasting less than a month.Everyone kept taking a few bars here and there, thinking I wouldn’t notice since there was so much. By the time I actually went to get some for myself, there were two bars and a pack of hot chocolate mix left.”u/rocketboobies

Understanding the Psychology of Winning

The experience of winning can elicit a complex range of emotions, from joy to anxiety.

Research by Dr. Barbara Fredrickson highlights how positive emotions associated with winning can broaden individuals' perspectives and enhance creativity.

However, the pressure to maintain success can also lead to stress and fear of failure.

Understanding this duality is crucial for managing the emotional aftermath of winning.

The Psychology of Winning and Its Emotional Impact

Winning a prize, such as a year's supply of something, can evoke a range of emotions, from excitement to anxiety about the responsibilities that come with it.

Research in the field of positive psychology highlights that the anticipation of rewards can significantly enhance mood and motivation.

However, the pressure to maintain that success can sometimes lead to stress and anxiety.

4. Concert and limo

“My cousin won a concert and limo per month for a year from a radio station in the early ’90s. The great part was when we found out she got to choose the concert tickets and limo dates separately. So, we would take the free tickets for a concert we would drive to. And we’d buy tickets to a better concert, take the limo, and drink.It’s where I fell in love with champagne because the limo came with a bottle of that, too. I think that’s why we’re both hooked on using Ubers now.”calypsopoet3

5. Sonic

“A former coworker and I went to a hockey game with our families. The home team held a contest to win free Sonic for a year. I gave my co-worker $1 to enter the contest, which was hitting a puck the closest to the net. He won! We decided to split use of the prize during alternating weeks. The prize was a weekly card that we peeled stickers from when we used it.We had a Sonic five minutes from work and less than 10 minutes from each of our homes. That year was awesome. I still love Sonic slushes and mozzarella sticks to this day.”joannacoco17

6. Krispy Kreme

“I won a year’s supply of Krispy Kreme when they opened a new location on my block. I was randomly selected from among their customers during the first week. What I actually got was a free pre-packed dozen original donuts once a month.This was during the early-ish days of the pandemic, and we couldn’t socialize with other people much, so it was hard to give any of them away. My girlfriend doesn’t like them, so once a month, I got a dozen donuts and tried to eat them all before they went stale. Suffice it to say that I gained pandemic weight.”zorblak

Moreover, the social dynamics of sharing a win can complicate relationships.

Studies indicate that individuals may experience social comparison, where they feel the need to measure their success against others.

This can lead to feelings of inadequacy or guilt, particularly if others did not achieve similar successes.

Recognizing these dynamics is vital for maintaining healthy relationships post-victory.

Studies show that while achieving goals can lead to increased self-esteem, it can also create unrealistic expectations for future success.

A clinical psychologist notes that individuals may feel a sense of impostor syndrome following a win, fearing they won't be able to replicate their success.

This illustrates the complex relationship between success, self-worth, and mental health.

7. Tide

“My mom won a year’s supply of Tide. That was about six years ago, and it lasted for a good two years because it was an overwhelming amount of pods and liquid detergent.Like, it was definitely more than a year’s supply considering I remember 36 huge boxes of the 48-count Tide pods. She donated some, gave it away to people, and used it. Saved us a crap ton of money.” lilaorr84

8. Wow

“I did Chick-fil-A’s First 100 event when a new one opened in my neighborhood. Participants had to sign in and stay in the parking lot until the grand opening the next day at 6 a.m. — if you left, you forfeited your spot!The first 100 people to sign up received free Chick-fil-A for the year! It equated to a gift card that was loaded with 52 medium #1 meals that you could space out for the year, or redeem all at once if you’re feeling particularly hungry, LOL.I remember it was two months before mine expired, and I still had about 30 meals left! I just started buying lunches for people so they wouldn’t go to waste.”muddgurl

9. Big Macs

“My friend and I got a free year of Big Macs. We were poor college kids, but I got sick of Big Macs and gave my friend my punch card. He ended up getting two a week for ages.He got sick of them too and started getting meatless ones. Neither of us have eaten one since, and it’s been probably a decade.”OldHag

Managing Expectations After Winning

After experiencing a win, it’s essential to manage expectations and emotions effectively.

Research suggests that reflecting on the win and setting realistic future goals can help individuals navigate the transition.

Practicing gratitude for the achievement, rather than focusing solely on future successes, can enhance overall satisfaction.

By fostering a balanced perspective, individuals can enjoy their victories without becoming overly fixated on maintaining them.

The Social Dynamics of Winning

Winning can also affect social dynamics, influencing relationships and perceptions among peers.

Research suggests that envy and competition can arise among friends or acquaintances following a significant win, leading to shifts in social interactions.

According to a study published in the Journal of Social Psychology, these dynamics can create tension and affect the quality of relationships.

10. Fruit of the Loom underwear

“My dad won a year supply of Fruit of the Loom underwear when he was in his 20s. It was a huge box of underwear, and they lasted, like, a decade.” l49ca8a44c

11. Blizzards

“I camped outside our new Dairy Queen a few years back. The first 50 people won a year’s supply of Blizzards. The Blizzards came in the form of a voucher for two free Blizzards a month. I gave it to my dad for Father’s Day — he was pumped!”coffeedrinker1

12. Buff City Soap

“Last month, I won a year’s supply of soap from Buff City Soap by being one of the first 50 people in the brand new store. I showed up only one hour before opening and was number 30-something.A year’s supply is one bar a month, but it’s still pretty awesome! I’m into my second month and not even halfway through the first bar.”ImAshes

Additionally, sharing wins with others can enhance the emotional experience.

Studies show that sharing positive experiences can reinforce relationships and create a sense of community.

Creating opportunities for celebration, such as gatherings or family discussions, can strengthen bonds and enhance the joy of winning.

To manage these complex feelings, experts recommend practicing gratitude and focusing on personal growth rather than comparison with others.

Engaging in reflective practices, such as journaling about the experience, can help individuals process their emotions and maintain a balanced perspective.

This approach can foster resilience and a more positive outlook following achievements.

13. Taco Bell

“My band won a contest to open for 311 and Ziggy Marley that included free Taco Bell for a year, which turned out to be $240 of gift certificates to split among six guys. Not quite the year supply we imagined.To top it off, we didn’t actually open for the bands; they stuck us on a 10×10 side stage with no monitors.”u/poof_he_is_gone

14. Free Bacon

“In 2013, I won a year of free bacon at a drawing at SXSW. They gave me a stack of 27 manufacturer coupons for a free pack (pound) of Hormel bacon. It was April, and the coupons expired in December that year, so I was confused how they could call it ‘a year,’ but I was still happy.By late December, I still had a few coupons left, so I got the rest of my bacon and kept it in my freezer.”Ktyler17

15. Applebee's

“I won free Applebee’s for a year, which turned out to be $600 in gift cards. Kinda lame. I spent most of it on beer.”u/supadupa-throwaway

The Role of Resilience in Handling Wins

Building resilience is key to managing the pressures that come with success.

According to Dr. Martin Seligman, resilience enables individuals to bounce back from challenges and adapt to changing circumstances.

Fostering a resilient mindset can help individuals navigate the ups and downs of success without losing sight of their overall well-being.

This perspective encourages a focus on growth and learning, rather than solely on achievement.

16. Stride gum

“I won a year’s supply of Stride gum when I was about 13 for participating in a Counter-Strike: Source tournament hosted by Xfire. They sent me a box with 4 cartons, each with around 12 packs of gum. I wasn’t disappointed.”Anonymous

17. General Milks Cereal

“I won a year’s supply of General Mills cereal once. I’m a single guy with no family. I eventually got sick of it, even though every three months, they would ship a new variety of it. A year’s worth of cereal is a LOT of cereal.”Anonymous

18. Free Pizza

“I won a year’s worth of free pizza from a delicious take-and-bake pizza place near my house. I was given 104 coupons for a free large pizza (16″) with up to five toppings. For the first month or so, I had some friends over, and we just drank and had fun with free pizza. By the time the fourth month hit (I’d used about six months of punches at that point), I started giving away pizzas to family, friends, and just about anyone else I could think of. It was a pretty sweet year for me. Playing the angel of free pizzas was a great feeling.” u/pruriENT_questions

Engaging in self-reflection can also be beneficial after winning.

Taking time to assess what the win means personally and how it aligns with long-term goals can provide clarity and direction.

Research suggests that reflective practices can enhance self-awareness and lead to more purposeful future actions.

19. Free chicken wings

“A new restaurant opened up down the block, and they gave free chicken wings for a year to the first 100 people in line. I went every week for 52 weeks.I tried every flavor and combination of flavors they had, and I still love chicken wings. They got their money back in beers sold I’m sure.” u/Flynhigh30

20. Razor Blades

“Someone once told me that when his dad was a student, he used to write to companies praising their products. He’d often get free stuff back.He wrote to the company that made his razor blades, saying, ‘Your blades are awesome! Each one lasts me three months.’ And they jokingly sent him ‘a year’s supply’ of razor blades (four blades).”LastMangoInParis

21. Xbox

“A while back, I won $2,000 cash, an Xbox, and a year’s supply of Hardee’s burgers in a Burnout Revenge tournament. The free Hardee’s came in the form of 52 vouchers for free burgers.I worked as a porter at a car dealership at the time, and there was a Hardee’s right next door to the gas station where we would fill up the new cars once they were sold. Naturally, I would swing through and redeem my vouchers pretty regularly.One day, I filled up a new Civic, went through the drive-through, came back to work, delivered the car, had my lunch, and went about my day. On my way home, I realized I left my burger booklet in the center console of the car. Someone went home with a new car and about 30 free burgers.”u/coreyjamz

One feels so much joy by winning a one-time thing, talk more of winning a year's worth of goodies. Anyone would be elated to be in these people's shoes, and we're glad to hear their stories.

Do you have a similar story to share? Drop them in the comments section below and share this post to others as well.

Psychological Analysis

This scenario highlights the multifaceted nature of winning and its implications for mental health and social relationships. It's important for individuals to find ways to celebrate their successes while remaining grounded and connected to their values.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In summary, winning can evoke a complex array of emotions and social dynamics that require careful navigation.

Research supports the idea that focusing on personal growth and gratitude can enhance the overall experience of success.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Winning brings a unique set of emotional and social challenges that require thoughtful navigation.

By focusing on gratitude, sharing experiences, and fostering resilience, individuals can enhance their overall well-being in the aftermath of success.

Ultimately, understanding the psychology of winning can lead to more fulfilling and balanced experiences in both personal and social contexts.