Why We Stop Praising Ourselves (And Why We Shouldn’t)
When Jeremy was just two years old, he was surrounded by praise. He finished his breakfast, and his mom celebrated him for doing an amazing job. When he took his first steps, his dad was there to cheer him on. As Jeremy learned to count from 1 to 10, his parents were bursting with pride – and Jeremy felt proud of himself too.
But as Jeremy grew older, things started to change. The tasks became more difficult, and the praise seemed to fade away. He wasn’t getting the same encouragement for the things he used to. Slowly, Jeremy stopped believing he could do an amazing job, and the confidence he once had began to slip away.
This story isn’t unique to Jeremy. It’s something many of us experience as we grow up. But why does this happen? Why do we feel like we need to achieve something grand to be worthy of praise? And perhaps the most important question: why have you stopped praising yourself?
Why Have You Stopped Praising Yourself?
Think back to when you were younger. Can you remember the last time you felt proud of yourself for doing something small? When did you stop giving yourself credit for the everyday things you accomplish? Maybe it was when you felt like those small wins didn’t matter anymore, or when others stopped recognizing them.
But here’s the thing – those small achievements do matter. In fact, they’re the building blocks of everything else you accomplish. Drinking a glass of water in the morning, organizing your space, getting through a tough day at work – these are all wins. They may not feel like grand achievements, but they’re just as important in keeping you moving forward.
Why Small Wins Matter
Small wins are more than just trivial accomplishments; they create a sense of progress. When you recognize and celebrate even minor steps forward, you remind yourself that you’re moving in the right direction. This creates a positive feedback loop that reinforces good habits, builds confidence, and reduces feelings of overwhelm. Each small win adds up, creating a ripple effect that leads to larger, more impactful success.
Research shows that tracking progress, even on a micro level, can increase motivation and persistence. By acknowledging what you’ve achieved, you’re fueling your desire to keep going, making it easier to tackle bigger challenges with a renewed sense of purpose.
Practical Ways to Celebrate Small Wins
Celebrating small wins doesn’t require a grand gesture. In fact, simple, meaningful actions can be even more effective in fostering positivity. Here are a few practical ways to acknowledge and celebrate everyday achievements:
Keep a Success Journal
At the end of each day, take a moment to write down three small wins. These could be as simple as organizing your workspace, finishing a chapter of a book, or sticking to a new habit. Seeing your progress in writing helps reinforce that you’re moving forward, even if it’s one small step at a time.
Create a Progress Board
Visual cues are powerful motivators. Use a progress board or app to track your goals. Every time you complete a task, check it off or move a marker. Watching your board fill up with accomplishments can be incredibly satisfying and motivating.
Set Micro-Goals
Break down your larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps. Instead of focusing solely on the end result, celebrate each step you complete along the way. For example, if your goal is to run a marathon, celebrate each time you increase your distance or improve your pace. These mini-celebrations build momentum toward the final goal.
Reward Yourself
Treat yourself for sticking to a new habit or completing a project. Rewards don’t have to be extravagant – they could be as simple as taking a break, enjoying a favorite snack, or indulging in a hobby. Linking small wins to positive rewards helps create a sense of satisfaction and encourages you to keep striving for more.
Share Your Wins
Share your achievements with friends, family, or a supportive community. When you share your progress, you not only inspire others but also reinforce your own sense of accomplishment. Positive feedback from others can amplify the joy of small wins and motivate you to keep going.
How Small Wins Lead to Bigger Success
By consistently recognizing small wins, you’ll begin to notice how they accumulate into larger accomplishments. Each small step you take builds the foundation for bigger changes. Over time, these tiny victories create a powerful momentum that propels you toward your larger goals.
For example, if your goal is to adopt a healthier lifestyle, small wins might include drinking more water, choosing a nutritious snack, or going for a 10-minute walk. These little actions, when done consistently, can lead to significant changes in your health and well-being. Before you know it, what once seemed like a daunting goal becomes achievable through the steady accumulation of small victories.
Don’t Be Like Jeremy
Don’t let the absence of external praise make you stop believing in yourself. You don’t need a big achievement to feel proud. Every small step, every small effort, deserves recognition.
So, give yourself the praise you deserve – for the tiny things, the everyday things, the things that keep you moving forward. Because they matter, and so do you. Keep celebrating yourself, and don’t be like Jeremy.
Celebrate the Journey
Success isn’t just about the big wins; it’s about the journey and the small achievements along the way. By focusing on and celebrating everyday success, you’re cultivating a positive mindset that thrives on progress. Small wins remind you that you are capable, that you are moving forward, and that every step counts. So, the next time you complete a task, form a habit, or make progress – no matter how small – take a moment to celebrate. It’s these small wins that will lead you to bigger success.
“I want to thank me for believing in me, I want to thank me for doing all this hard work. I wanna thank me for having no days off. I wanna thank me for never quitting. I wanna thank me for always being a giver and trying to give more than I receive. I wanna thank me for trying to do more right than wrong. I wanna thank me for being me at all times, Snoop Dogg you a bad m***r”
-Snoop Dogg
