Celebrate Yourself Every Day for More Happiness and Motivation in Life
In a world where achievement is often measured by grand milestones and accomplishments, it’s easy to overlook the significance of celebrating the small victories that create progress. But what if you shifted your perspective and instead celebrated yourself and your progress every day?
The truth is, you make progress and grow every day you walk this planet, and these accomplishments (big or small) are worthy of celebration. Not only will celebrating every day make you feel happier and more fulfilled in your life, but it will also motivate you to keep going.
Don’t believe me? Let’s discuss all the positive benefits of celebrating yourself and walk through some easy methods to get started today.
What does it mean to celebrate yourself?
You don’t have to wait for monumental events like promotions or completing marathons to celebrate yourself. Celebrating yourself every day means honoring the person you are in this moment, acknowledging the progress you make during your journey, and embracing more happiness in your life on a daily basis.
Celebrating yourself includes:
- Acknowledging Accomplishments Big and Small: Whether finishing a project at work or simply getting out of bed on a difficult day, every accomplishment deserves recognition.
- Accepting Yourself as You Are: Embrace yourself as you are right now without comparing yourself to an idealized version or setting unrealistic expectations for the future. Acceptance breeds celebration.
- Reflecting on Progress: Take time to reflect on the activities and actions contributing to your growth and development. Celebrate the steps you’re taking toward your goals, no matter how small they may seem.
- Owning Your Strengths: Celebrating yourself doesn’t require boasting or bragging; it’s about owning your strengths, talents, and achievements with humility and gratitude.
Why is it important to celebrate yourself?
In our journey to success, we too often miss the small milestones and victories along the way. However, research shows that these “small wins” play a crucial role in fueling motivation, driving progress, and promoting overall happiness in your efforts.
A study of creative workers such as marketers and programmers found a direct correlation between motivation and creativity to the acknowledgment (or lack thereof) of progress in their work. The progress principle demonstrates that the most significant factor in boosting emotion and motivation is seeing progress in meaningful work. This positive momentum promotes further progress in individuals, while a lack of progress often results in stagnation and decreased productivity.
Celebrating the small wins and acknowledging progress in any form creates a pattern of self-appreciation and empowerment. Whether completing a small task or overcoming a significant life challenge, every accomplishment deserves recognition and celebration. By embracing the power of small wins, you find more satisfaction and enjoyment in your efforts and are more motivated to seek further success in your personal and professional life.
Everyday Reasons to Celebrate Yourself
Celebrating yourself for your accomplishments, big and small, will help you stay motivated in your endeavors and happier throughout the process. Here are 20 examples of why you’re amazing and deserve to celebrate yourself today and every day.
- Trying something new (even when you’re scared or nervous)
- Finishing a tough assignment
- Cooking a delicious, healthy meal instead of phoning it in (aka. ordering takeout)
- Supporting a friend or acquaintance in need
- Staying positive when faced with difficulty
- Making someone (including yourself!) smile or laugh
- Working out, even though you feel lazy
- Finding the lesson in your mistake
- Seeing your potential instead of focusing on your flaws
- Standing up for yourself
- Brainstorming a solution instead of complaining or giving up
- Loving your body as it is
- Learning a new skill or hobby
- Choosing rest when you need it
- Swallowing your pride and apologizing
- Making a new friend
- Taking small, consistent steps toward your goals
- Choosing kindness and patience over anger
- Being honest with yourself
- Getting back up after you fall (literally or figuratively!)
Easy Ways to Start Celebrating Yourself
So … how do you celebrate yourself every day? Are confetti and balloons required, or is there a more straightforward way to incorporate self-celebration into your life?
The good news is party supplies aren’t necessary; all you need are a few quiet, reflective moments each day. Here are three easy ways to celebrate yourself.
Jot down a “Top Three List”
Before you go to bed at night (or first thing when you wake up, if you prefer), reflect on your day and write down three things you can be proud of. Did you cook a fantastic dinner or finish a project at work? Were you able to support someone you care about? Or did you listen to your body and decide to rest instead of pushing yourself to exhaustion?
No matter how big or small, you can always find three things in your day worthy of celebration.
Face off with a Compliment
Take a minute to look at yourself in the mirror and give yourself a compliment or two. Make it count by looking into your eyes as you give yourself praise.
(Talking to yourself in the mirror may feel a little ridiculous at first, but the more you do it, the easier it will get!)
Listen to your body
Get in touch with your mind and body with a meditative stretching ritual. Find a comfortable spot to relax, and start by closing your eyes and taking deep breaths to calm your mind. Proceed to stretch out your muscles, paying particular attention to any sore areas, tension, and irregularities in your body. Is your lower back aching from sitting in meetings today? Are your legs tired from that extra-long walk this morning? Is your blood pressure elevated after an argument with your teenager?
As you work through your body, take the time to celebrate all you have accomplished, take note of any physical symptoms of stress and frustration, and then nurture yourself accordingly. You deserve it.
Find Happiness in the Celebration
“Happiness is a journey, not a destination.” – Souza
I love this quote. I have it on a magnet, which has held a designated spot on my kitchen fridge for nearly 20 years now. It is a clear reminder to me every day not to get lost in the shuffle of daily obligations and overwhelm but to focus on enjoying the journey.
It is the small daily habits, progress, and actions that ultimately make up the story of our lives. And there is no clearer path to incorporate happiness and stay motivated in life than to celebrate every step of your journey.
Do you celebrate yourself every day? How has self-celebration impacted your motivation and general happiness? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments!
