Have you ever noticed how terrible we can be at acknowledging what we have achieved?
When congratulated on a success, we might hear ourselves say, "oh it was nothing". On reaching a goal, we might skip the celebration because there is something else to strive for now. When reviewing a half completed to-do list, we'll bemoan what we didn't do, rather than focus on what we did do.
Is this because we're modest to the extreme, or do we simply not recognise just how much we do day to day, month to month, year to year?
I think it's the latter. We either don't recognise just how much we do, or we don't see how important every step we've taken is. We don't see our progress as an achievement.
As the frequently quoted saying goes, "a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step". So if every step is progress, then in my book every step is an achievement. What if we were to give ourselves more credit for everything we achieve?
Ticking things off a to-do list might not seem as celebration-worthy as representing your country in the World Cup, but if it takes you closer to your own personal success then it's a point scored in your own game! So take that moment Maggie to acknowledge your progress. When you reach a milestone, give yourself a reward. And when you achieve what you were aiming for, seriously celebrate your success!
The energy gain from this change in perspective can be massive! I'm certainly more productive when operating from a mindset of 'look how much closer I am to my goal and how much I've achieved!' than if I were beating myself up about what I had left to do. I'm sure you will be too.
Try this ... Celebrate YOUR Success!
What could you do to pat yourself on the back more often? Here are a few ideas:
Keep a success journal - try it for a week and see how good you feel! Each time you do something well, write it down. Each time you complete a task you've been putting off, write it down. Each time you feel even one small step closer to your big goal, write it down!
I met a well known motivational speaker who does this every single day and having kept his success journals over the years, he now has a bookshelf full. Imagine what he does on a bad day - cheers himself up pretty quickly I'd think!
Reward yourself - what better pat on the back than giving yourself something you enjoy as a reward!
When something goes well, when you achieve what you wanted to, when you reach a milestone on your way to something bigger... celebrate your success with a treat. It could be a nice meal, a night out, a small gift to yourself or the bliss of a day / half a day doing something you absolutely love. What will it be?
Tell somebody - let them share it with you! When something goes well, don't keep quiet, shout it from the rooftops and enjoy the recognition.
There are many simple strategies to recognise your daily achievements and spur yourself on to greater success!