When was the last time you celebrated all that you’ve achieved or overcome? All the ways that you have grown and the energy and effort it took to get to where you are now?
As we enter a new year we may feel that we should be setting big intentions and changing everything that we see isn’t quite right, or let’s face it, ‘perfect’, in ourselves and our lives. Our culture constantly pushes us to achieve, create and accumulate more adding to the pressures we put on ourselves leading to fatigue, overwhelm and potentially illness. It also strains our overburdened planet as we all chase after things we think will make us happy.
Why We Feel This Way
It’s natural to feel this way, our brain’s have evolved to grasp at what we think will keep us safe, get us mates and foster a sense of belonging. Add in our inherent negativity bias which keeps us focused on what we lack, and you have the perfect recipe for an endingless treadmill that never leads to true happiness.
Shift Your Perspective
This year, I invite you to shift your perspective. Instead of chasing after the next big thing, celebrate your wins from the previous year. Reflect on your successes in a more mindful way and build upon them. Focus on what’s gone well and really let it sink in so you can recognise your abundance and what is positive and right in your world.
This approach is more likely to lead to sustainable happiness, where you’re not constantly seeking “more, bigger, better.” We also increase our confidence, improve our mental well-being and build resilience.
The Risk of Skipping Celebrating
If we miss this part out, as soon as something is achieved or embed into our being we move onto the next thing without giving ourselves a chance to really acknowledge all that we’ve accomplished. Research shows that if we continually do this, we risk burnout, loosing motivation and feeling overwhelmed by life.
A Practice to Celebrate Your Wins
What you’ll need
– a quiet space to reflect
– time to reflect but know that you can pause and come back to this another time
– Paper and Pen
1. Reflect on the Past Year
Pick out one thing that has gone well. This could be something physical, like completing a big assignment at work, or a personal growth achievement, such as being more compassionate to yourself.
If writing: In the centre of your page, write your success and draw a big circle around it.
2. Notice How You Feel
Can you detect any sensations in your body related to this success? Do they have a location, frequency, or colour? Pay attention to any thoughts and emotional responses.
If writing: Draw lines from your centre circle for each category (physical, mental, emotional) and note down what comes up for you.
3. Share your Success
Consider who you would like to celebrate your win with, making sure they’re someone who will join in your happiness. This might be a friend, family member, pet, or even a spiritual figure or element of nature.
If writing: Draw another line from your centre circle and write down who you’ll share your success with.
4. Take Some Time Out
Decide how you will celebrate. It could be giving yourself a break, resting, or doing something fun. Choose what feels like a good way to celebrate this win.
If writing: Draw a line representing how you’ll celebrate and note down your chosen activity.
5. Reflect on Learning Points
Recognise that not everything needs to be perfect to celebrate. Identify how you have grown from this success and any lessons you’ve learned.
If writing: Add another line to your diagram detailing points of growth or learning.
6. Set Intentions for Future Goals
Use your win to build motivation and inspiration for new achievements. Consider what you’d like to accomplish next.
If writing: Draw lines for future goals and write down your intentions.
7. Optional: Link Past Feelings of Inadequacy
This step helps you keep the win in the foreground of your awareness as you recall times when you felt inadequate. Remember your win as you reflect on past mistakes or shortcomings and over time can rewire the brain to focus on what goes well.
If writing: Add this to your page and note down any connecting thoughts.
Final Reflection
Take some time to reflect on your accomplishment and set an intention to repeat this practice regularly, even for small wins. This can foster a deeper sense of joy and satisfaction, leading to sustainable happiness and making your journey more meaningful.
By visualising your steps or writing them down, you’ll create a structured way to celebrate and build upon your successes. This practice can lead to a more mindful and fulfilling way of approaching your goals.
Thank you for reading! If you found this post helpful, please share it with others who might benefit. Feel free to leave a comment or reach out to me directly. Let’s celebrate our successes, however small as we enter 2025!
About the Author
Louise Neicho is a dedicated yoga and mindfulness teacher based in Hertfordshire, UK. With a deep connection to nature, she weaves ancient wisdom and modern practices into her teachings, writings, and research. Follow her journey and stay connected:
Website: Woodland Yoga
Email: louise@woodlandyoga.co.uk
Instagram: @louwoodlandyoga