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Transformational Talk
Acknowledging Accomplishments
Are you able to acknowledge your own big accomplishments? Unfortunately it’s often easier to ruminate over failure than to luxuriate in achievement. Human brains developed long ago to pay more attention to mistakes than successes to ensure survival in the wild. Outdated notions about downplaying accomplishments as protection from getting a ‘swelled head’ often operate unconsciously. Concerns about evoking competitive responses from others also contribute to minimizing wins. Even so, it’s normal and healthy to want to be seen at your best. Finding ways inside and outside yourself to experience and share your triumphs can be a challenge.
Here’s the tip. First, ask inside what you appreciate about what you’ve done. Look carefully. You are the only one who knows the minute, myriad details of the tenacity and creativity your project required. Take your time and make a list. Really! Next, notice how you feel as you do this. You may feel fatigue — natural after such an effort. Have a nap, a rest and keep coming back to focus in your body until any weariness softens into a subtle sense of pleasure.
Finally, find loved ones delighted and willing to honor you. Invite them to join you in celebrating with a little commemorative ritual or conversation. Ask for feedback about what inspired them about your feat. Take it in. Breathe. This is good for you and good for them! Remember, if you did something this spectacular, they can too. And you did it! ©
Penelope Young Andrade, LCSW www.penelopetalk.com Call: 858-481-5752 fax: 858-484-8374 email: PenelopeYAndrade@gmail.com