It is no unknown fact that we are living in a fast-paced era. Everything moves fast. And with that, so do we. I spoke about this in one of my other posts about instant gratification, where I touched on how everything we do has to immediately lead to results.
I’ve noticed we do the same with our goals as well. In a time and age where the biggest accomplishments are being glorified on social media, we forget that to reach those big glorious moments there were many smaller victories that took place prior.
From the kid that passed their classes scoring great grades throughout their high school career, which allowed them to graduate. To the friend who finally managed to clean out their laundry baskets, which allowed for a clean space that is required so they can work on that six-figure project. To the person who lost their first kg, after going to the gym consistently.
These are all bricks that deserve to be celebrated, not just the building.
Yet, because we are in such a hurry to achieve our goals, we don’t take the time to stop and stand still at our smaller wins.
So, here are a few overlooked wins that deserve some form of applause:
Cleaning your house
Now, before anyone comes for me with “that’s a basic thing to do, our mothers used to do it all the time-” etc. etc. Imma stop you right there.
Because as much as you’re right, many of our mothers were also functioning from trauma. Some of them quite literally got it beaten into them that the house needed to be tidy, regardless of how tired you were. That has gone for generations and isn’t something you simply undo.
If you’re reading this, I’m pretty sure you are one of the generational breakers who decided to do things differently than their parents and prioritize rest and joy.
This means, that sometimes your house will not be entirely clean. This means that sometimes you will go to sleep with dishes still in the sink. This means, you might not fold your laundry for a few weeks. This could mean that you didn’t vacuum the floor bi-weekly instead of weekly.
And you didn’t do it, because you were lazy. You did it so you could put your energy in other activities that added to your well-being. Albeit, spending time with your community or simply because you needed to recharge.
However, at a certain point you decided it was time to clean up and you got your entire house clean! You did that! And that also deserves to be acknowledged.
Asking for help
In a time where we are all focused on our own goals, apparently asking for help became taboo and hyper-independence the glory. This phenomenon has led us to believe that if we do ask for help, we are weak or a burden. Especially since everybody already has a lot going on with their own lives. We wouldn’t want to add more to their plates.
Instead we would rather suffer in silence.
Allow me to remind you that the people who love you, most likely are more than glad to help you if you would ask them to without thinking any less of you. If anything, they understand how much courage it took you to reach out to them in a moment of vulnerability. And connections are built and deepened through vulnerable times.
“We know you’re strong, but accepting help is its own kind of strength.” – Kiera Cass
So, kudos to you for asking for help and allowing people to see you with your shield down.
Making Your Bed
If you’re going through a burn out, depression or grief…Then you know that making your bed isn’t just nothing.
When you’re in such a state where the most mundane tasks feel like climbing a mountain, making a bed is the equivalent of reaching a camp. It means that not only were you able to get yourself out of bed, you also mustered the strength to commit to an act of self-care plus moved to another place in the house.
Even if it’s just the couch, you made a step forward for yourself and that deserves acknowledgment.
Getting through the day without spiraling
The amount of times that I find myself saying: “I don’t get enough credit,” for handling moments much calmer than an older version of me would’ve done.
We’ve all been there. Clients asking questions that make you wonder how they are even still alive with the level of intelligence they’re displaying. Kids getting your kitchen dirty after you’ve finally done all the dishes and were able to see your counter again. Or when it’s been a long ass day and the grocery store ran out of your favorite wine.
Cue crash out in 1, 2, 3….
Over time, I’ve come to realize that it’s not as much about avoiding situations that can cause you to spiral and more so about staying regulated despite encountering situations that will send you straight into a spiral.
If you were able to navigate through all that life threw at you and lay your head on the pillow without spiraling….Congratulations! You were able to regulate yourself, which is something many people in higher positions can still learn a thing or two from.
Saving your first 20
Listen, times are hard. People are blowing through their salaries as well as their savings. People are taking on extra jobs, starting a new side hustle, cooking instead of ordering take out as much as they used to. Because the current economy isn’t what it used to be.
And still, we are trying to build, grow and create a life we don’t need vacations from.
This also includes saving.
And yes, even when your ultimate goal is to have a 7-figure saving account, we all gotta start somewhere. So, if you saved your first 20; congratulations! You are on the right track, love.
These are just a few examples. The list goes on and on. We act like these moments don’t deserve the same joy like when we get to our final destination.
These small moments are bricks that allow you to build bigger and better in the meantime. Don’t take these small victories for granted. Be proud of yourself. And if no one told you today: I’m proud of you.
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