We often hustle through our days, ticking off tasks on our endless to-do lists.
Yet, when it comes time to acknowledge what we’ve accomplished, we’re quick to downplay our efforts.
Maybe it’s a societal thing, or perhaps humility has gone overboard, but here’s the truth:
We often fail to acknowledge our own accomplishments and strengths.
So before we dive into the 9 things you should start giving yourself credit for, let’s get one thing straight:
It’s not self-indulgent to pat yourself on the back. It’s a crucial part of self-care and recognizing your value.
1) Overcoming challenges
How often do you stop and acknowledge the hurdles you’ve overcome?
Probably not often enough.
I know it’s easy to focus on the obstacles still in our path. But little do we realize that it makes us forget to appreciate the ones we’ve navigated successfully.
The thing is that every challenge you’ve faced and overcome, no matter how small, is a testament to your strength and resilience.
Perhaps it was a tough project at work, a difficult period in your personal life, or even just the daily grind of juggling responsibilities.
But in either case, you’ve made it through all of this.
You’ve shown grit, determination, and resilience.
That’s not something to be brushed aside. It’s something to be proud of.
2) Making difficult decisions
Ever had to make a decision that made your stomach turn with anxiety?
I know I have.
A few years back, I found myself stuck in a job that was making me miserable.
I was comfortable, but I wasn’t happy. So, I made the difficult decision to leave and pursue a career I was passionate about.
And let me tell you, it was scary.
Even more — at times I doubted whether I had made the right choice.
But looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
The truth is that making tough choices is never easy. It requires courage and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
Why?
Because it’s not easy to choose the rocky road over the smooth path.
However, often it’s these choices that lead us to growth and fulfillment.
3) Maintaining balance
Juggling work, relationships, personal growth, and self-care at the same time can seem like a circus act, right?
But if you’re managing to keep all these balls in the air, it’s high time you gave yourself a pat on the back.
Let me explain why.
Maintaining balance in life is no small feat. It requires organization, prioritization, and often a fair bit of sacrifice.
Perhaps you’ve been managing to keep up with your fitness goals while also achieving your professional commitments. Or maybe you’ve been taking time out for self-care amidst all the chaos.
At first glance, these might seem like small things.
But the reality is that they’re indicators of your ability to maintain balance in life.
And believe it or not, balance can lead to long-term happiness and success.
It’s about harmony—ensuring that no single aspect of your life consistently overshadows the others.
When you maintain balance, you’re creating a sustainable lifestyle that supports your well-being across the board.
4) Cultivating kindness
Let’s admit it: kindness is underrated.
While the grand gestures often steal the spotlight, it’s the quiet moments of compassion and empathy that truly glue society together.
If you’re the type to extend a hand, share an encouraging word, or simply smile at someone having a rough day, you’re already a hero in the making.
And you know what’s the best part?
Acts of kindness are contagious.
Yes, a scientific study conducted at the University of California San Diego showed that kindness begets kindness.
This means that when you perform a kind act, not only does it benefit the receiver, but it also increases the likelihood that they, in turn, will act kindly.
Imagine that—your simple gesture could set off a chain reaction that touches dozens of lives.
This ripple effect of kindness means that your actions are more significant than they seem.
That’s why it’s important to credit yourself for every bit of kindness you sprinkle throughout your day.
Simply put, your choice to be kind is a testament to the strength and beauty of your character.
5) Nurturing relationships
Perhaps not surprisingly, relationships aren’t just about the big anniversary celebrations or the glamorous nights out.
They’re built and sustained on the quiet, often mundane moments that most people don’t see.
So, guess what?
If you’re investing genuine effort into nurturing your relationships—through the good times and the bad—you’re doing something truly extraordinary.
The raw truth is that maintaining any relationship is hard work.
It’s a series of texts to check in, the late-night conversations, the “I’m here for you” whispered through tears, and the belly laughs shared over inside jokes.
It’s being present, not just in proximity but with your whole heart—even when life throws curveballs that make it tempting to shut down or lash out.
Every time you listen patiently, offer support without judgment or choose understanding over being understood, you are nurturing your relationship in the most fundamental ways.
It’s not about grand gestures — it’s the consistency of care and attention that counts.
6) Pursuing passions
Have you ever stopped to appreciate the fact that you’re pursuing your passions?
Well, it’s something so many of us take for granted.
Whether it’s painting, writing, gardening, playing an instrument, or any hobby that brings you joy – the fact that you’re devoting time to what you love is a big deal.
But what if I told you that finding the time and energy to pursue what truly lights your fire is commendable?
So, if you’ve recently finished a book, created a piece of art, or even just spent a few hours indulging in your hobby.
Just give yourself some credit.
Trust me, you’re not just passing time — you’re fueling your soul and enriching your life with the magic of passion. And that’s definitely worth celebrating!
7) Taking risks
Imagine you’re standing at the edge of a high dive.
The water below is a mosaic of shimmering blues, and the sun is a warm kiss on your back.
Every instinct tells you that jumping is a risk—the height is intimidating, the splash will be huge, and all eyes are on you.
But something inside nudges you forward.
Want to know what it is?
Well, it’s the essence of taking risks — the possibility of embracing the splash rather than being immobilized by the fear of the height.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s a physical one like our high dive or a metaphorical one like starting a new venture, entering a new relationship, or moving to a new city.
One thing is for sure:
If you’ve ever taken a leap of faith, you know the gut-churning mix of fear and excitement that comes with it.
Taking risks means pushing beyond your comfort zone and betting on yourself. It’s about facing the potential for failure and still saying, “I’ll try.”
8) Prioritizing health
You know the drill: drink water, eat your greens, and get those steps in.
But let’s get real — prioritizing your health deserves some major props.
It’s easy to say, harder to do, yet here you are, doing it.
Consider this:
When was the last time you gave yourself a high-five for choosing a salad over fast food, or for that evening walk you pushed yourself to take?
It’s these choices, day in and day out, that add up to a healthier you.
That extra glass of water you sipped might seem like a small drop in the bucket, but it’s a drop that contributes to the ocean of your well-being.
And it’s not just about what you eat or how much you move.
Prioritizing health includes
- The check-ups you don’t postpone;
- The mental health days you take without guilt;
- The hours of sleep you guard as if your life depends on it — because in a way, it does.
What’s more, it’s also about the unhealthy habits you’re breaking.
The last cigarette you didn’t have, the soda you skipped, the screen time you reduced—these are victories in their own right.
Let’s face it, making health a priority in a world filled with tempting shortcuts is a bold move. Because every step you take towards a healthier lifestyle is a step worth celebrating.
9) Embracing self-love
I remember a time when I used to be my own worst critic.
I would constantly compare myself to others and always felt like I was coming up short.
But then I decided to start practicing self-love.
I began speaking kindly to myself, acknowledging my worth, and appreciating my uniqueness.
It wasn’t easy, it took time, and I had to consciously remind myself to be gentle with myself.
But it made a huge difference in my life.
Why am I telling you this?
The reason is that if you’ve been embracing self-love too, you need to know that this is one of the most important things you can do for yourself.
Believe me, you’re worth the love you give so freely to others.
Are you celebrating your unsung victories?
It’s about time we wrap this up with a bang and not a whisper.
Give yourself a round of applause for the quiet victories and the silent triumphs that only you know about.
Here’s what you should carry with you:
- You are the author of your story. Each day, you’re writing a page. Make it one you’re proud to read aloud.
- Progress, not perfection, is your mantra. Celebrate the small steps just as much as the milestones.
- Your efforts, seen or unseen, are valuable. Even when no one else notices, take a moment to say, “I see what I did there, and it matters.”
Take these reminders and let them be the fuel for your continued journey toward self-recognition and personal celebration.
Did you like my article? Like me on Facebook to see more articles like this in your feed.
