Sometimes we get so focused on reaching a big goal that we forget to notice the smaller goals we’ve met along the way—and that’s a mistake. If we remember to celebrate the small successes that come along, we will have more confidence to keep striving, and get a lot more enjoyment out of life.
Success is a journey, not a destination. Arthur Ashe
Sometimes we forget that. We slog along, day after day, chasing our version of success, because we think that achieving it will make us happy.
It won’t. Not for long, anyway.
Because success is not a destination. Life is not about getting to Success Land where we can relax and finally enjoy ourselves.
Success is about attitude, and living up to your potential, and taking risks to pursue your passions. Success is overcoming setbacks and doing the best with the cards you’ve been dealt. Success is making the most out of every day and not missing the beautiful moments or the opportunities to put a smile on someone’s face.
Win the day. Chip Kelly
It’s not just good advice for football players. “Win the day” is about focusing on doing today well, not wishing for yesterday or pining for tomorrow. But it’s also about appreciating the small successes as they happen, not putting all your hopes in the big win.
So pay attention to the daily achievements: the exercise goals met, the improved grades, completing that phone call you were dreading, a whole week without a skipped quiet time. Whatever it is you or your loved ones have done, stop to notice.
There are exactly as many special occasions in life as we choose to celebrate. Robert Brault
So celebrate them! Even the small successes.
What is your favorite way to celebrate a small success?
- dinner out?
- treating yourself to Starbucks?
- buying a new book, or pair of shoes?
- indulging in an hour of your favorite pastime, guilt-free?
- a massage?
- calling your sister to tell her all about it?
- having tea with a friend?
Happy celebrating!
