Every moment of our lives is made of decisions, like right now, you can decide to keep reading this newsletter or decide to close this email and move on to the next one on your list.
Our decisions are sometimes based on what is important to us, what is easier, or simply on the end result. When we make a decision that requires effort and that puts us closer to reaching a goal and improving our overall wellbeing, we call that a victory and victories should be taken into account. For example, if you have a goal of wanting to feel more energized and you got up one day this week to go for a walk, you can count that as a victory. It required you to put on your tennis shoes and leave your house. That sole act puts you closer to your goal of feeling more energized.
Now, there are small and big victories, and we should count and celebrate them all. Some people only celebrate big victories but why would you celebrate only the big victories if the small victories are the ones that put you closer to reach your goals?
We tend not to count small victories because we are focused on the finish line. Keep in mind that the path you take to reach your goals is not always straight or easy and you may find obstacles on the way that can make it challenging. Looking at the example above, your obstacles for getting up and going for a walk can be a cozy bed, a late-night movie, the weather, laziness, etc.
It is simple, we must celebrate small victories as much as big ones. Like Dr. Timothy A Pychyl mentioned in his article Goal Progress and Happiness published in www.psychologytoday.com in 2008, celebrating small victories makes us feel happy and more satisfied in our lives. Celebrating also keeps our motivation going and helps us build our confidence.
So, what are you waiting for to count all your victories? I invite you to not only celebrate but to write them down as you go. You will soon realize the battles you have won and continue to win. At the same time, you stay motivated to improve your overall wellbeing. Count them all!