Being Proud of the Little Things Makes Life Easier

I'm proud of the little things. In today's world, we are supposed to accomplish significant life goals one after the other -- and celebrate them publicly. In the process, we often overlook small wins as if they don't matter. However, being proud of the little things makes life easier, more so when you frequently experience anxiety, depression, and stress.

Basic, Simple, Little Things Can Be Hard to Do

Just because something seems simple does not mean it is easy to do in real life. For example, eating breakfast every morning sounds simple. However, I am sure we can all think of at least one time when we were unable to have breakfast for some reason. Let's not dismiss the intricate tapestry that is our daily routine. But I digress. 

The point is that basic things can be hard to do, and this is harder when you live with some mental illness or are prone to emotional overwhelm. As a result, one must celebrate little wins, no matter how trivial they seem. I have found that when I celebrate small things, it's easier for me to appreciate life's everyday seemingly insignificant moments. Being proud of the little things, like eating a healthy meal on time, also makes life easier to navigate because it cultivates mindfulness. Mindfulness, or living in the present moment, is crucial when it comes to coping with both anxiety and depression. 

Little Things Lead to Big Victories

Celebrating the little things will lead you to bigger victories; this is the power of observing small wins. Once you are aware of the many little tasks you accomplish regularly, you will likely be motivated to achieve bigger life goals. Recognizing and enjoying small wins makes you aware of your capabilities and creates a positive feedback loop. I've found this loop fuels motivation and resilience that I draw on to achieve bigger goals. I speak from personal experience when I say you are more likely to meet the deadline at work when you celebrate little wins than when you don't.

In fact, a few years ago, I used to keep a record of small wins on my phone and read them whenever I felt low. I will start journaling again because I have been feeling diffident lately. And I know one way to quiet the negative chatter in my head is to be proud of the little things. In a culture that glorifies the extraordinary, let's not forget that the ordinary has value too.