Celebrating Our Successes

We’re all pretty good at moving the goalposts on ourselves, aren’t we? Hit a milestone? Great. Now onto the next one. Got your dream house, and a few years later it’s not that great…? But here’s the thing – if we never stop to celebrate our wins, big or small, we’re basically running a marathon with no water stations. Now I’m no marathon runner, but I’m pretty sure that doesn’t feel so good. So, let’s talk about why celebrating success matters and how you can make it a habit. 

Why Bother Celebrating?

Because if you don’t, who will? Taking a moment to recognize what you’ve achieved isn’t just about feeling good (although that’s a nice perk). It reinforces positive behaviour, keeps motivation high, and helps you see just how far you’ve come. Think of it as giving yourself a well-deserved mental high-five, or a good old pat on the back. Without it, your accomplishments fade into the background, and all you’re left with is the never-ending hamster wheel of “what’s next?”

The Perks of Acknowledging Your Wins

When you celebrate, you’re essentially telling your brain, “Nice work! Let’s do more of that.” It builds momentum, boosts confidence, and prevents burnout. So yes, treating yourself to a fancy coffee or taking an extra-long lunch is productive.

I remember in my early days of parenthood, I realised that the small take-for-granted tasks I used to do were now huge successes in my day. If you’ve been there, you know it – Taking a shower: success. Getting out the house: success. Drinking a whole cuppa whilst hot: success. Tiny successes, but when I acknowledged them and told myself “Well done for that”, it felt good! So I take this parenting lesson and apply it to my life now. Sorting my inbox: success. Finally completing a lingering task: success. Just getting through a tough day: success. 

What Happens When We Skip the Celebration?

Have you ever felt like you’re just going through the motions? That’s what happens when you don’t take time to appreciate your own progress. When success becomes just another item on the never-ending to-do list, you risk feeling unfulfilled, no matter how much you accomplish. 

Easy Ways to Celebrate (Without Going Overboard)

Celebrating doesn’t have to be huge. It just needs to make you feel good. It can be as simple as:

• Taking a moment to acknowledge what you’ve done

• Treating yourself - whether that’s a fancy coffee, a walk in the sun, or five minutes of guilt-free Block Blast…

• Sharing your win with a friend or colleague

• Jotting down your successes in a journal or phone notes (and look back after a week/ month to see everything you’ve achieved – you are amazing!)

• Reflecting on how far you’ve come and giving yourself some credit

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Don’t Let Your Wins Become Just Another Task

If success just blends into your daily grind, it loses its magic. It’s like putting effort into cooking a great meal and then eating it standing up over the sink – technically, you’ve had dinner, but you missed the joy of it. So take a pause. Let yourself feel proud. Otherwise, what’s the point?

Why Do We Congratulate Others but Not Ourselves?

Think about it—we’re quick to say, “Great job!” to a friend, but when it comes to our own wins? Silence. Why is it so much easier to recognise someone else’s success than our own? It’s time to flip that script. If you’d cheer on a friend, why not do the same for yourself? You deserve that same energy.

Simple Ways to Make This a Habit

If celebrating doesn’t come naturally, try building it into your routine:

• Keep a “win journal” and jot down one accomplishment a day

• Set reminders to check in with yourself and reflect

• Wrap up each week by listing what went well, big or small

• Pause after completing a task and take a moment to appreciate it

• Give yourself the same encouragement you’d give a friend

Small Habits, Big Impact

As James Clear points out in Atomic Habits, “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” Small habits, like taking a moment to celebrate your wins, compound over time and shape your mindset. When you build the habit of recognising your progress, success stops feeling like a finish line you never reach, it becomes part of the journey itself.

Final Thought: Give Yourself Some Credit

So what I’m trying to say is… Taking time to celebrate isn’t indulgent, it’s necessary. Whether it’s a tiny victory or a huge milestone, recognizing your progress keeps you motivated and energized. So, before you rush to the next thing, pause. Smile. Reward. You’ve earned it.