It’s easy to overlook the small victories in life, isn’t it?

We often focus on the big, earth-shattering achievements and forget about the little things that we should be patting ourselves on the back for. I know I do, at least. 

However, according to many experts, these small accomplishments truly matter and can have a significant impact on our overall happiness and self-esteem.

Ready to give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back?

Here are eight little things in life you should be proud of yourself for.

1) Making progress

Did you know that even the smallest step forward is a victory in itself?

It’s these small wins that propel us towards our larger goals and dreams. As psychologist Jeffrey Bernstein noted in a recent Psychology Today post, “Celebrating your achievements, no matter how small, is an essential practice for success.” 

So, did you wake up on time this morning? Did you finish a task you’ve been putting off? Or maybe you managed to squeeze in a quick workout?

Each of these seemingly insignificant actions is actually a small triumph. They show discipline, commitment, and the desire for self-improvement.

If so, go ahead and give yourself a round of applause for your daily progress. You absolutely deserve it.

2) Embracing change

A few years ago, I found myself at a crossroads in my career. I had the opportunity to take on a new role, but it meant stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing a drastic change.

I was scared, confused, and unsure if it was the right move. But I took the plunge. And you know what? It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Sure, it was scary at the time, but maybe not moving is easy, even scarier, right?

If I had never made the jump, I might still be afraid of this decision.

As professor of applied neuroscience Justin James Kennedy put it, “We can let fear take over or we can choose the other way and learn to roll with the punches. We can embrace change, turn it into something positive, and take control of our own path.”

The point is if you’ve recently embraced a change in your life, no matter how big or small, be proud of yourself. Taking that leap is a significant achievement in itself.

3) Saying “no”

Did you decline an invitation to a social event because you needed some alone time? Or perhaps you said no to an extra task at work because your plate was already full?

Contrary to popular belief, saying no isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s actually a sign of strength and self-awareness. 

And some experts like Dr. Nicole Washington, a psychiatrist, would argue it’s essential. As she put it, “Saying no is one of the best forms of self-care we can engage in,”

Basically, it sets boundaries and prevents us from overextending ourselves, leading to reduced stress and increased satisfaction.

Next time you say “no” to something, don’t feel guilty. Instead, feel proud that you are prioritizing your mental well-being. 

4) Overcoming a fear

We all have fears, don’t we? 

Some might be afraid of heights, others of public speaking, or maybe even bugs. But did you know that conquering those fears, no matter how big or small they are, is a remarkable achievement?

I was recently reminded of this myself. Taking Shaman Rudá Iandê’s game-changing workshop Out of The Box pushed me to face my own fears. It’s truly life-changing when we start ticking off those fears little by little.  

Facing what scares us head-on requires immense courage in the short term. It’s a testament to our resilience and mental strength. However, in the long term, it can really help us to live happier lives with less anxiety. 

5) Learning something new

As children, we’re constantly learning. But as adults, we often get stuck in our ways and stop pushing ourselves to learn new things.

However, learning something new, be it a language, a skill, or even a fascinating piece of trivia, is a feat that deserves celebration.

Not only does it expand our knowledge and perspectives, but it also keeps our brains active and healthy. Some research has even shown it can reduce the risk of cognitive decline as we age!

6) Being kind

In a world that can sometimes seem harsh and unkind, every act of kindness, no matter how small, is a beacon of hope.

Holding the door for someone, helping a neighbor with their groceries, or simply offering a smile to a stranger can make a world of difference in someone’s day.

Psychology tells us that kindness not only benefits the receiver but can also boost our own mood and well-being.

7) Forgiving someone

I remember a time when someone I held close to my heart betrayed my trust. It felt like a punch in the gut, and I was overwhelmed by feelings of anger and disappointment.

But over time, I realized holding onto that resentment was only hurting me. It was a heavy burden that kept me from moving forward. So, I decided to forgive.

Forgiveness is a powerful act, but it’s not always easy. It requires strength, understanding, and compassion. But when you do forgive, it’s like setting down a heavy load you’ve been carrying.

If you’ve recently forgiven someone who hurt you, take a moment to recognize your strength. It’s a significant milestone on the path of personal growth.

8) Making time for self-care

These days, it’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to take care of ourselves.

But engaging in self-care, be it a relaxing bath, a quiet meditation session, spending some time in nature, or simply a good night’s sleep, is a testament to self-love and respect.

As studies show, regular self-care practices can significantly reduce stress and improve our overall well-being.

You’re prioritizing your health and happiness, and that’s a victory worth celebrating.

The bottom line

Whether it’s saying no when needed, embracing change, learning something new, or simply loving yourself just as you are, every little victory counts.

You don’t need to move mountains to be proud of yourself. 

The real victory is in recognizing and celebrating these seemingly insignificant moments in life. They are the building blocks of your self-worth and happiness.