Why it’s important to celebrate success
“Treat every small victory like you just won the Superbowl.”
I started with that quote because it pretty much encapsulates everything that I want to say on the subject of celebrating success. It’s something that I try to do in my own life (I’m not great at it yet, but I’m getting better) and also to instill in my clients, but for many of us, celebrating success doesn’t come naturally. For some reason, a lot of us just aren’t programmed that way. We allow self-doubt, fear of failure and imposter syndrome to get in the way, playing down our achievements rather than recognising them for the successes that they are.
Celebrating our successes in life - whether that’s landing the dream job, reaching our goal weight or running a half marathon - helps us to feel more energised, and provides us with the drive and motivation we need to keep working towards bigger goals. But why not also give ourselves a pat on the back for the smaller wins along the way? After all, every significant milestone that we reach, every goal that we attain, every dream that we fulfill is the result of a thousand steps in the right direction.
For most of us, the dream job takes years of hard work and long hours; a goal weight is achieved one single pound at a time; and the half-marathon takes months (sometimes years) of arduous, blister-filled training. Each one of these small achievements is worthy of applause in its own right, so let’s celebrate them too, not just the end result.
Most of us spend considerable time setting goals and intentions, and making plans for the future. I’ve recently completed the manuscript for my first book, realising a goal I set for myself over two years ago and accomplishing something that I’m really proud of. It’s not quite ready for publishing, and I haven’t (yet) sold a million copies, but I still plan to take a moment (or a spa day) and celebrate that success: I also tied my manuscript with a big red ribbon, and sent photos of it to some of my closest friends and supporters, so that they could share in that moment - that success - with me. I haven't yet achieved my goal of becoming a successful published author, but it was important to me to celebrate what I’ve achieved on my journey so far.
Celebrating success doesn’t have to be a big deal. Some days, success looks like surviving another day at the office and managing to fold the laundry when you get home. Another day, it might mean moving your body for twenty minutes, remembering to send a birthday card to your friend (‘sorry it’s late’ still counts!), or cleaning out the cupboard under the sink. But the small successes count just as much as the big ones, so give yourself credit where it’s due.
“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”
Sometimes, success is completing a manuscript, running 5k on the treadmill, passing an exam or signing the next big client at the office. But not always. Just like us, it comes in all shapes and sizes. And just like us, it’s always a work in progress. So remember to celebrate the little wins just as much as the big ones. And whenever you can - literally or figuratively - tie a big red ribbon around them.
