Yes, I’m looking dead at you. When was the last time you actually celebrated something you did right? And I mean all those wins that you wrote off as small and didn’t even acknowledge.
When you think about them, there’s so many, so while it’s unrealistic to hire a confetti ceiling net to drop each time, or pop some Veuve—who’s got that kind of money? You still need to pause long enough to say, “Hey, that was good! I did that! I did that!” Insert seat-shimmy dance.
Here’s the sciencey (yes, that’s a word… kind of) truth to it. Big or small, your brain doesn’t care one bit. Every one of those wins still releases dopamine. As in the feel-good hormone hit that reinforces the behavior that got you that win. And feeling all those small wins rolling in, that’s how those real-deal habits stick. Unlike the ones you set that are too hopeful, extreme. Where the entire approach is ‘fingers-crossed’, followed by disappointment and derailment.
But here’s what we forget (or dismiss):
Your actions, even the quiet, not-Instagram-worthy ones, are speaking volumes—to you. And they deserve to be acknowledged, a little more than that silent, rapid clap you give yourself. I see you. I’m guilty, too.
You don’t have to explain them or make them sound more impressive. They are already impressive. You just have to notice them. Acknowledge the effort and really feel the win longer than a passing moment before you move on to your next ‘thing’.
Think about it. Did you:
✔️Get through a tough work or life conversation you’d been putting off?
✔️Show up to write (and yes, journaling absolutely counts) even when you didn’t feel like it?
✔️Complete, post, or schedule that task that needed to be done, even if it won’t be seen yet?
✔️Stick to a new daily routine—for a whole week?
✔️Move up a level in strength training, even if reps went down?
Unless I’m crazy… and don’t answer that—Call. That. A. Win.
No disclaimers. Zero overthinking. Just a second to let your progress really sink in.
Your brain and your motivation will thank you, because this is exactly how we build momentum. This is how we do it, and how we keep going and showing up for ourselves.
Those of us over 40, and especially Gen X, weren’t raised to celebrate the little stuff, but we can change that story. Hell, it’s about bloody time! Right? And however you choose to celebrate it, not just acknowledge it—is the right way. I mean, if you’ve got Veuve money, then by all means, do it.
Your small wins are always snowballing and adding up to something big. Really big.
So, to my ‘Big Age‘ folks… what wins did you actually achieve this week? Say it, and give it more than just a nod.
