Celebrate the Little Wins

I've never really been one to celebrate my wins. Big or small, Sparky and I usually allow ourselves a moment or a smile, but we don't really celebrate. It's always seemed kind of... self-centred.But recently I completed a 10-day workout challenge and at the end of every session, when I was out on my feet, I was told to dance a little celebratory dance. The instructor encouraged us to sing out loud, "I did it! I did it! Oh yeah, I did it," while doing the running man. The sillier the better.On Day 1, I ignored her. I didn't win a marathon. I deserved no post-workout dancing.On Day 2, however, her joy was enough to convince me. So I tried it out. I danced a little celebration. I shook my arms and hopped around like a idiot. I celebrated finishing my workout.Do you know how good that felt? To celebrate that little win?It didn't cost me anything. It didn't bother anyone else. It simply said to me, "You've done something today. You could have skipped your workout, you could have stopped before you finished, but you didn't. And that's awesome."It filled me up. And, yes, it was self-centred. But that's the point of celebrating, isn't it?

Celebrate your little wins

Did you get up early this morning? Dance a little celebration - a little booty shake is all you need.Run to the top of the hill? Give yourself a Rocky moment up there - hands in the air.Managed a discipline issue with grace and a level-head? High-five yourself in the mirror.Sent an email you'd been putting off? Give it a little "whoop, whoop."Finished the pile of ironing that's been sitting there for weeks? That's worthy of a song. About yourself.

In fact, why not have a little win right now?

• Pick up 5 things.
• Meditate for 5 minutes.
• Do 5 push-ups, 5 squats and 5 sit-ups.
• Drink a glass of water. (Or 5.)
• Write a list of 5 things to do this week. Go do one.

Then, celebrate.Even if you're not a celebrator, today - just for today - give it a shot. Try telling yourself that you are, in fact, pretty awesome. Because it's true.(This post was originally written in 2013, but I really needed to revisit it today. Thought it might help you too.)