I believe that most of us tend to focus on the big victories in our lives rather than spend much if any time focusing on our little victories. I think this habit begins when we are children, from our families’ tendency to celebrate the big things that happened in our lives, like scoring the game winning goal, or acing the big test. So in a way we are programed to focus on our big victories rather than take stock of the little victories in our lives.
I believe when we only focus on our big victories, we are doing ourselves a disservice. Those little victories are the foundation for our big victories. They also sustain our hope and positive thinking in between the big victories or when we are going through a rough time. If you look carefully, you can find little victories through out your day. Did you control the urge to spend money unwisely? Or keep cool during a tense situation? Be proud of yourself when you notice a small victory and make a mental not of it. Consider taking the time to write down your small victories when you notice them. Be detailed, writing down everything that made you feel triumphant.
When we choose to only acknowledge our big victories, it is easy for us to become frustrated. Instead of only basing our victories on the big things that we achieve in life, like getting a big promotion, being a winner, or acing the big test, we should be open to acknowledging the little victories that happen every day. When we can do this, it makes it easier for us to not be caught up with negative feelings.
My challenge for myself is to keep my eyes focused on my next little victory and make a list of my little victories. Want to join me?
My Little Victories
- Making it to my counseling session even though physically I did not feel the best yesterday.
- Taking more pride in my appearance than I have in a long time because of depression.
- Making a homemade banana pudding for my daughter.
- Getting a blog post written today, even though I was not totally in the mood to do so.
- Reaching a better understanding of how my depression has affected my husband.
- Maintaining a positive mental attitude even when I physically felt bad.
- Acknowledging that I was cranky, and needed to let others know so that they knew what I was dealing with.
I love this idea. It's like a gratitude list of littlw things you've done that add up to big things. This is great food for thought and if you don't mind, I plan on making a list myself and linking my post to this one.
Great job! The little things in life DO matter. Thank you for reminding me of that!
Kaley
My recent post So THIS is What Mania Feels Like-
Oh am so glad you liked this. I never, ever mind when someone finds inspiration in what I wrote and wants to do something similar on their blog. I consider it a victory when I can inspire someone.
Melissa
I love this idea. It's like a gratitude list of littlw things you've done that add up to big things. This is great food for thought and if you don't mind, I plan on making a list myself and linking my post to this one.
Great job! The little things in life DO matter. Thank you for reminding me of that!
Kaley
My recent post So THIS is What Mania Feels Like-
Oh am so glad you liked this. I never, ever mind when someone finds inspiration in what I wrote and wants to do something similar on their blog. I consider it a victory when I can inspire someone.
Melissa
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Excellent plan, you're totally right, we are so focussed on the big things that the little things get missed.
I've gradually learnt to give myself a break and congratulate myself on the little things, getting through a day like a "normal" person is a huge achievement for me so every time I manage it I'm super chuffed!
My recent post Hollybobs
Yeah, I get happy when I can get through a day doing things that "normal" people do.
Excellent plan, you're totally right, we are so focussed on the big things that the little things get missed.
I've gradually learnt to give myself a break and congratulate myself on the little things, getting through a day like a "normal" person is a huge achievement for me so every time I manage it I'm super chuffed!
My recent post Hollybobs
Yeah, I get happy when I can get through a day doing things that "normal" people do.
I couldn't agree more! Absolutely, positively! Life is made of little things and they all matter! Great post today, Melissa!
My recent post Me
Thank you for your encouragement!. Everything does work together, so yeah bit or little they are all important.
I couldn't agree more! Absolutely, positively! Life is made of little things and they all matter! Great post today, Melissa!
My recent post Me
Thank you for your encouragement!. Everything does work together, so yeah bit or little they are all important.