Outlooks on life differ from person to person, and it’s the same for what we class as achievements. Personally, something that I have begun to value more is the smaller achievements which can be monthly, weekly or daily moments I am proud of.
I used to only praise myself for achievements that would be recognised by most people; such as achieving a good grade in an important assessment, completing my undergraduate degree or getting a new job. I realised this isn't the mindset I want to have anymore. Instead, praising the little things begins to open your mind to a more positive outlook on life.
Sometimes we get caught up in the mindset that only big achievements matter and the little things that we do don't even get recognised. This is damaging to our everyday life. No one is completing these massive achievements daily and if they are, it's unrealistic to compare our lives to this. Sometimes life is calm, and with no big events coming up then there becomes a period of no sense of achievements in life. Changing your outlook on what is seen as ‘worth’ appreciation is the hardest part. Sometimes thinking ‘why am i praising myself for waking up early or for eating breakfast?’ then if these are things you have struggled with or struggle to maintain in your life then why shouldn't you feel proud?
Another conclusion which I had come to was, if I'm just living for these big moments and great successes, does that mean the everyday doesn't count? When you think of it like this it seems silly that we haven't been kinder to ourselves sooner! This is all easier said than done but some tips I would suggest taking up is journaling in the evenings or mornings. What are you proud of from that day; was it that you completed a load of mundane tasks that were long overdue, or you got through a 30 minute workout? What do you want to achieve tomorrow? Is it to be kinder to yourself, eat healthy or to tidy your room? By writing down your goals and being able to recognise your achievements it gives your days purpose and allows you to be proud and keep tabs on your goals. Another way is rewarding your achievements, whether that's with a coffee, a meal out or a relaxing night in; treating yourself for moments you are proud of is an important way to take care of yourself. Self-care is so important and making sure you stay positive in all that you achieve really makes the difference when going about life.
The little things in life are important and the sooner we realise and praise ourselves, the more we start enjoying life and the little things in life which bring so much happiness and sense of achievement. Continue to recognise these moments and be proud of your achievements no matter how big or small they are. It's important to change the mindset of what's worth celebrating.
Instead, praising the little things begins to open your mind to a more positive outlook on life.
It's important to change the mindset of what's worth celebrating.