Recently, I was teaching a class in which I discussed budgeting and business planning for 2019. In that class, I stressed the importance of acknowledging your own successes and achievements.
Do you find it’s easier to notice other people’s successes than it is to acknowledge your own? Do you even acknowledge your accomplishments before you raise the bar even higher for yourself and set another goal to achieve? By neglecting to acknowledge your accomplishments, you may be missing an opportunity not only to increase your happiness and self-satisfaction but also to fuel your motivation for future achievements.
Why is it that we have such difficulty in identifying and acknowledging our successes and our strengths? There are a number of reasons for this:
Some of this may trace its roots to an upbringing where bragging was discouraged. Carried to an extreme, many are uncomfortable identifying their successes even to themselves. Those who do this miss the happiness and joy of taking ownership for something well done.
Another reason some may be reluctant to acknowledge their successes rests with their belief that their achievements pale in comparison to those of others. Many people have a perfectionism complex and feel that anything less than perfection does not merit mention. The problem with this is that perfection is ultimately unattainable for anyone.
Some people may be unaware of their own greatness and they don’t appreciate their own courage, bravery, or kindness. They take it for granted that everyone does the same, when in truth, many people don’t.
Have you ever found yourself thinking about your child? You thank god they turned out well. A smile hits your face when you see them grow and feel their happiness. Well guess what… YOU had a lot to do with that. Soak it in. It’s OK. Take a bow and acknowledge your success.
Ever hand the keys to a first time home buyer? Guess who helped them achieve a life dream of home ownership? YOU did. You are having a positive impact on people’s lives every day. Own your contributions. You did well.
I would encourage you to perform an annual inventory of your large and small successes. Identify those things that you feel good about either starting or finishing. Don’t measure your successes against those of anyone else. This is only for you. This is your chance to see what you have done and to acknowledge your efforts and personal successes.
Acknowledge and celebrate your successes! Be a friend to yourself and give yourself a pat on the back!
Have a great weekend.
TERRY Talks 