Pop the champagne, throw the confetti—because every achievement deserves a celebration, no matter how small. I am reminded of this during May – a time of graduations, weddings, baby showers, and end-of-school-year celebrations – of how many of life’s big moments we celebrate with others. I asked myself just how well we celebrate ourselves. And not just the “big” things, but even the small everyday victories? Women are natural multitaskers, often putting others first. But let’s make one thing clear: celebrating ourselves, our big and small wins, is just as important.
As a board-certified health and wellness coach, I facilitate the women I coach on recalling previous successes as part of a coaching “funnel” where we start at the big picture level of identifying an area of focus and “funnel down” to actionable steps (Vanderbilt Medical Center, 2020). Part of that funnel involves looking at previous successes and “wins”. What has the client been successful with before? What are some positive past experiences?
Why it’s worth throwing the confetti
It must be beneficial if acknowledging prior successes is included as part of an evidence-based health and wellness coaching practice. So why is throwing the confetti and recognizing those wins worth it? It’s worth it because it:
- Feels good – Celebrating our successes feels good because it activates the brain’s reward system. Research shows that when we acknowledge our achievements, our brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and motivation (McNally, 2024).
- Boosts Confidence – reflecting on past wins helps us recognize our ability to succeed. It may give us more motivation to take on new challenges.
- Helps in Identifying Strengths – understanding what worked well in the past helps us understand our strengths and habits, and gives us a template for taking on new challenges.
- Creates Positive Momentum – Focusing on successes shifts the mindset from doubt to possibility, making behavior change feel more achievable.
- Encourages Resilience – Reminding ourselves of times when we overcame obstacles helps reinforce our belief that we can do it again.
Celebrating the Small Wins and Honoring the Journey
Success isn’t just about reaching a goal—it’s about honoring the journey. And for women who do it all, those victories deserve some serious applause. Whether it’s a quiet moment of gratitude or a full-blown celebration, honor your journey and celebrate the wins. This week, reflect on any recent successes, big or small.
- Choosing water over a Coke or an extra coffee. Hydration is a win!
- Taking the stairs instead of the elevator. A little movement makes a difference.
- Completing a short workout, even if it wasn’t intense. Showing up is a win.
- Getting outside for fresh air. Nature is a mood booster, and it just feels good!
- Going to bed at a reasonable time instead of scrolling late at night. Quality rest is key.
- Eating a home-cooked meal instead of fast food. Nourishing your body is a success.
- Taking a deep breath instead of reacting impulsively. Mindfulness matters!
- Remembering to take vitamins or medication on time. Consistency is progress.
- Saying no to something that doesn’t serve you. Protecting your peace is a victory.
What are some wins you’ve had lately? It’s a great time to reflect on your successes and journey, pat yourself on the back, and pull out that confetti!
Sources:
A Time to Bloom Health and Wellness Coaching, LLC https://atimetobloomcoaching.com/
McNally, M. (2024, June). From Small Steps to Big Wins: The Importance of Celebrating. Psychology Today.https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/empower-your-mind/202406/from-small-steps-to-big-wins-the-importance-of-celebrating
Vanderbilt Medical Center, Health, and Wellness Coach Training Program (2020).
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