Be honest: How often do you really pat yourself on the back?
You don’t have to be achieving big things on a daily basis to be proud of yourself – in fact, it’s all the little victories you have that are often the most important. Here are some things you’ve done that deserve a bit of acknowledgement, even if you don’t think so.
1. You’ve made it through some really tough days.
Everyone faces difficult times, but you’ve persevered through yours. Whether it was a personal loss, a professional setback, or just a day when everything seemed to go wrong, you’ve shown resilience. Each tough day you’ve overcome is a testament to your strength.
2. You’ve grown from past mistakes.
Making mistakes is part of being human, but learning from them is a choice. If you can look back and see how you’ve improved or changed your behaviour based on past errors, that’s real growth. It shows self-awareness and a commitment to personal development.
3. You’ve been kind to someone when it wasn’t expected.
Source: Unsplash Those moments of spontaneous kindness, whether it’s helping a stranger or sending a thoughtful message to a friend, matter. These actions, often done without expectation of recognition, reflect your good character and contribute positively to the world around you.
4. You’ve stood up for yourself or other people.
Source: Unsplash Speaking up isn’t always easy, especially in situations where it might be uncomfortable or risky. If you’ve ever advocated for yourself or defended someone else, you’ve shown courage. This bravery, whether in small moments or big confrontations, is admirable.
5. You’ve pursued a passion, even if it hasn’t led to success yet.
Source: Unsplash Chasing a dream takes guts, regardless of the outcome. Whether it’s a hobby, a career change, or a personal project, the act of pursuing something you’re passionate about is valuable in itself. It shows initiative and a willingness to take risks for what you love.
6. You’ve adapted to changes, big or small.
Source: Unsplash Life is full of changes, and adapting isn’t always easy. Whether you’ve dealt with a major life transition or simply adjusted to new technology, your ability to adapt is a strength. It shows flexibility and resilience in the face of an ever-changing world.
7. You’ve made someone’s day brighter.
Think about times you’ve made someone smile, laugh, or feel better. These moments might seem small to you, but they can mean the world to other people. Your ability to positively impact those around you is something to be proud of, even if it’s not always acknowledged.
8. You’ve taken steps to improve your physical or mental health.
Any effort towards better health is commendable. Whether it’s going for a walk, meditating, or getting professional help, these actions show self-care and a commitment to your well-being. Even small, consistent steps towards health are significant achievements.
9. You’ve learned a new skill, no matter how small.
Source: Unsplash Learning doesn’t stop after school. If you’ve picked up a new skill, whether it’s cooking a new dish, using a new app, or understanding a complex topic, you’ve grown. This continuous learning keeps your mind sharp and shows your curiosity about the world.
10. You’ve maintained relationships through difficult times.
Nurturing relationships takes effort, especially during challenging periods. If you’ve kept in touch with friends or family through tough times, or worked through conflicts in relationships, that’s something to be proud of. It shows commitment and emotional intelligence.
11. You’ve made progress on a long-term goal.
Big goals can take time, and it’s easy to overlook incremental progress. If you’ve taken steps towards a long-term objective, whether it’s saving for a house or working towards a degree, each small advancement is worth celebrating. It’s the steady progress that leads to big achievements.
12. You’ve asked for help when you needed it.
Reaching out for support isn’t always easy, but it’s often necessary. If you’ve had the courage to ask for help, whether from friends, family, or professionals, you’ve shown strength. Recognising when you need support and seeking it out is a sign of self-awareness and maturity.
13. You’ve bounced back from disappointment.
Life doesn’t always go as planned, but your ability to recover from setbacks is crucial. Whether it’s a rejected application, a failed relationship, or a missed opportunity, if you’ve picked yourself up and moved forward, that resilience is something to be proud of.
14. You’ve stayed true to your values.
In a world that often pressures us to conform, staying true to your core beliefs and principles is admirable. If you’ve made decisions based on your values, even when it wasn’t the easiest path, you’ve shown integrity. This authenticity is a strength, even if it’s not always recognised by other people.
