Ever since I can remember, I was always goal setting. Whether it was competing for first chair in the high school band or getting into the college of my choice or raising funds for a thesis in a third world country, goals have always been a big part of my life. I have always been the type of person who would put my mind to something, achieve it and then would quickly move on to setting and achieving my next goal.
Hmmm…did you notice the ever so tiny missing part of this cycle? You guessed it; there was no step between ‘achieving it’ and then ‘moving on’. Recently, it has become clear to me that I have never spent much time celebrating my accomplishments. Sure, there is always a little “Woohoo!” expressed or a dinner with a toast, but once the next day arrives, I move on as if nothing special ever happened.
I have to believe I am not alone in this pattern of behavior. Many of us—especially women and Type-A personalities—have a difficult time acknowledging, let alone celebrating, our accomplishments. I look at my mom, who I admire so much for all that she has done in her life, and I know she doesn’t view her own accomplishments nearly as highly as I do…and vice-a-versa. Well, I’m ready to stop the vicious, non-celebratory cycle…and if you are in the same boat…so should you! Here’s how you can start celebrating into your achievements:
- Journal the Process: As you work towards your goal, journal the process. This will give you something to look back on and to remember how hard you worked to reach your goal.
- Acknowledgment: When you achieve your goal, stop and acknowledge it. Soak it in and feel good about it.
- Look Back at What You Did: Bring out your journal and read through what you had to do to accomplish what you set out to achieve. Take some time to remember the struggles, the ups, the downs, and the setbacks…all of it.
- Reward Yourself: Find a way to privately and independently reward yourself for your accomplishment. One of the best ways, and my most favorite, is a day at the spa! Make sure to make special time to pamper and nurture yourself.
- Celebrate with Friends and Family: Find a way to include others in celebrating your accomplishments. This will help you to accept and legitimize your success. It will also allow you to share your success, which will heighten your own self-awareness of what you have done.
- Take Time: If you are naturally a goal setter, resist the urge to leap into a new goal immediately. Give yourself a week or so to enjoy, relax and bask in the glory of your accomplishment!
Why do we struggle with acknowledging or feeling good about our achievements? Why can’t we celebrate our own accomplishments, but can easily celebrate others? Do you have the same problem or have you learned to celebrate your accomplishments? |