As the year is coming to a close, many of us are thinking about the lofty goals or resolutions that we want to accomplish in the year ahead. We are reflecting on the past year and considering the "bad" habits we want to get rid of and at the same time, we're considering the new rituals or practices we want to call in. Sounds familiar, right?
While there is nothing wrong with setting big goals for yourself or having high expectations for what you want to achieve in the coming year, it can be a little overwhelming. Setting big goals can feel a little "all of nothing." And what happens if you don't achieve the goal in the exact way you imagined? You may feel disappointed, frustrated, or downright sad.
That's why we're encouraged to celebrate the small wins. Taking stock of the little, day-to-day wins that ultimately all contribute to the bigger picture.
Whether you're looking to improve your physical health, your emotional well-being, or making some big money moves, celebrating the small wins (no matter how tiny they may seem) is a great way to build confidence. Recognizing little accomplishments can be just the motivation you need to keep pursuing the bigger goals. Keep reading to learn about small (but mighty) wins that you can celebrate all year long.
Small Wins that You Can Celebrate Anytime
1. Getting up 15 minutes early for a self-care practice
Self-care is anything but selfish. When we make self-care a priority, we're better equipped to show up for others - our colleagues, partners, and family. Give yourself a big pat on the back if you carved out a few extra minutes for yourself. Maybe it's journaling, enjoying a couple more minutes in the shower, or meditating.
2. Meal planning for the week
There is nothing worse than when you're ravenous, searching for food in the kitchen but you don't have anything to eat. You're left a little hangry, making it difficult to show up as your best self. This may even lead to grabbing an unhealthy snack or fast food. Meal planning, coupled with loading up on the foods to prep for said meals, is a great accomplishment that you should be proud of. Eating balanced meals helps fuel your productivity, making it easier for you to keep on keeping on.
3. Carving out time to play
Dedicated "playtime" isn't something we typically bring into adulthood. But the act of play can be so powerful. It helps us be more creative, think about solving problems in different ways, it opens our minds to new possibilities, and it gets us out of our normal thoughts. Give yourself a high five for taking some time to play - whether you play a card game, dance to your favorite tunes, or sing in the shower.
4. Drinking enough water through out the day
Hydration is truly key to optimal health. Think about it this way, humans can survive up to six weeks without food, but we can only live for one week without water. Staying hydrated ensures that all five senses perform normally, it aids respiratory function (our ability to breathe properly), and regulates our body temperature. Hydration also helps to keep our moods in-check and maintain consistent and health energy levels. Celebrate the fact that you've given yourself enough water.
Bonus hydration tip! You can water from your food too. Water-rich include cucumber, watermelon, oranges, lettuce, broths, celery, and tomatoes.
5. Performing a random act of kindness
It's said that you should give to others what you want to receive yourself. By doing something nice for someone else, you'll feel happier. In fact, a 2006 study by the "National Institutes of Health found that when people give to charities, it activates regions of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, creating a “warm glow” effect. Scientists also believe that altruistic behavior releases endorphins in the brain, producing the positive feeling known as the 'helper’s high.'” Even if you do something small, like giving a kind smile to a strange, celebrate it.
6. Practicing positive self-talk
We can be our own worst critics. Sometimes a negative internal dialog can get us down. That's why making a commitment to talk positively to yourself, even it's just a small mantra, is grounds for celebration. What we think and say becomes our reality. Try speaking to yourself in a kind way, and see the shifts that unfold. When it comes to accomplishing big goals, you'll need to believe in yourself and it all starts with how you speak to yourself.
7. Remembering to take your Confidence
When we take care of our gut health, we take care of our overall health - mind, body, and soul. If you remembered to take your Confidence today, please celebrate it! When we feel bloated, constipated, or have stomach pains it's difficult to show up as our best selves. Confidence helps you fight those uncomfortable digestive issues with a digestive enzyme complex that helps you break down food and absorb more nutrients.
The more you can find to celebrate in your life, the more you will have to celebrate. And the more we can celebrate in our lives, the more confident we feel in all aspects of our lives.