Small Victories

A small victory can be any small task that contributes to a productive day, applies to a long-term goal, or anything that makes you feel successful. For example, working or studying for one hour, attending all of your zoom meetings, and responding to emails. However, it does not have to be limited to school and work, it can also be daily tasks, such as grocery shopping or washing the dishes. No matter how difficult the task is, recognizing your accomplishments contributes to well-being. 


Celebrating them is important too because it gives you the opportunity to re-energize. 

This also has a physiological benefit. The neurotransmitter, dopamine, is induced when you recognize something positive, and in return, enhances your motivation. So by recognizing more, you will feel more motivated and less stressed, thus making you feel better and more productive. 


Ways to celebrate can include:

  • Going for a walk

  • Taking a small nap

  • Rewarding yourself with a cup of coffee from your local shop

  • Talking to a friend


Above all, it is anything that you find stress relieving! If you feel like you might get too side-tracked by something, like gaming or watching Netflix, try to set a time limit.


It might be difficult to make time for small victories, especially if you are used to a busy schedule, but it is possible! 

When you feel overwhelmed, remembering all of your previous accomplishments is beneficial because it can serve as a reminder for how much you are capable of. One way to do this is by keeping a checklist of everything that you accomplished throughout the past weeks. For starters, if you have an upcoming deadline, provide yourself with a calendar that will help you visualize when the deadline is and how you can utilize your time to reach it. One way to utilize your time might include setting small goals so that you will feel motivated throughout the entire process.


During this pandemic, it has been an ongoing challenge to transition to remote work or online school. However, some of you may have had to cancel summer work plans or were unable to secure a summer job. If this is your situation, especially if you are a student, you might be feeling discouraged and stressed. However, there are some remote volunteer opportunities that can provide support for building experience and gaining new connections. As a small goal, try spending 20 minutes researching for 2-3 volunteer opportunities. Again, this might be difficult, but remember that taking chances is always a major step for finding new opportunities. Throughout your experience, you might end up acquiring new skills and interests, or improve your existing skills. However, remember that experiencing downfalls is normal and that it is okay to take breaks. In the end, consider your motivation to learn and take chances as a small victory! 


Overall, celebrating small victories will motivate you to maintain a more optimistic perspective rather than overwhelming yourself with both short-term and long-term tasks. If you are having trouble getting started, remember that asking for help and support is never a crime!


Now, since you took the time to read this blog, why not go ahead and celebrate!

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