That Feeling of Success
Whenever you complete a task, however big or small, you are given an opportunity to receive a gift. Many times, in the case of small accomplishments, your only reward may be a feeling of satisfaction and a confidence boost. Obviously, bigger, more challenging achievements bring larger rewards – the feeling should be bigger since the achievement was bigger, right?
But sometimes people with “average” achievements or sometimes even those with “above average” achievements seem to get no pleasure from their successes. Even though they receive a lot of external rewards, they have no joy. Many experience a feeling of lack or jealousy of others. There are never enough pats on the back, enough money, enough thanks, etc. Did you know that the most successful, happy people feel happy and successful.
Those people win a lot, have self-discipline and enjoy every step of the way to the top.
I was reminded this week of a little secret that I’ve learned. Living in the moment. We can do nothing about the past and the future is not here yet. The only thing we can really do anything about is the right now. It’s a gift and that’s why it’s called the present.
To the extent that you love what you get from each and every victory in life, whether it be the external rewards like awards, money, affection, fame or the internal rewards like your feelings of achievement from a job well done or the confidence boost you gain from your effort, the more likely you are to keep doing it.
Because the truth of the matter is this, if you don’t live in the moment and appreciate your little victories, you’ll be miserable. And you’ll make other people miserable right along with you. This misery is what causes addictive behaviors (such as overeating), family strife, and increased stress.
Every victory in life, whether it be the “outer” stuff like awards, money, affection, fame or the “inner” feelings that you get from reaching a goal that took serious effort and sacrifice indicates the likelihood that you’ll keep doing it…
So just stop right now, and think about all of the little things that you have accomplished today, relish that feeling of success, live in the moment and be happy.
When you regularly and sincerely take conscious notice of and appreciate what your successes do for you and for others in every way, you will feel like one of the luckiest people in the world… every day of your life.
Deborah (Debbie) Stevens is an MBA, CPA, Money Maven who offers down to earth accounting, tax and consulting services, is a health and fitness coach, and jewelry designer and re-engineerer. With more than 10 years in public accounting and 6 years in private industry, her boundless energy and talents are now focused on making small businesses successful by analyzing the problems, discussing the issues, and crafting the appropriate solutions. Her strong, personal integrity, hard work, sheer determination coupled with a deep fun-loving view of life are what makes her tick. After having lost 116 lbs in 15 months, she has recently added weight loss and fitness coaching into the business mix. She is passionate about everything she does with a deep desire to help people. She is personable, down to earth, and ready to roll up her sleeves and get started on your business solutions. 
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Debbie,
It is too easy to focus on limitations, and not the success you’ve had that day. Guess I’ll need to write them down for a while to make sure I acknowledge them to myself—starting with today!
Debbie,
This is such a very important topic, thanks for sharing it. When we don’t enjoy our successes, when we don’t celebrate our victories, large or small, we cut ourselves off from such a huge source of motivation. If we can’t appreciate the current moment, why would we possibly work hard and delay gratification for a future moment that we won’t enjoy either? Makes total sense.
Thanks so much,
Adam
Deborah, I have realized that I need to broaden my definition of success. This weekend I had planned to create my free Healthy Baby Boomers guide to reaching 100.
But it was my friend’s birthday – so I played tennis with her this morning and celebrated over lunch. Got back and did not have the mind set to write. So I did not complete the task I had intended but I shared some special moments with a friend. That is a success that can last much longer, in both of our memories.
Celebrating all successes and having a grateful heart certainly go a long way in moving us forward. This is a lesson worth repeating daily multiple times.
Hi Debbie,
Terrific post and for reminding us the importance of living in the moment. Even though people know there’s nothing that can be changed from the past or predict the future, it’s interesting how people hold on to the past and look forward to the future and neglecting the present. What about NOW?
.
Janette
Debbie, that is so true. Most people focus on the end goal. And they think it will make them happy. And then when they get there, they are not as happy as they thought.
So you have to enjoy the journey. It’s all you’ve got.
We must take the time to appreciate the small “victories” along the way so the larger accomplishments mean that much more to us.
Living in the present is a key factor in our personal development and our ability to appreciate the blessings we have!
Living in the now is a much misunderstood concept. Our minds want to plan the future and override the joy and energy available if we can just be present sometimes. Great post!
Hi Debbie,
I love what you say about victory.
Success breeds success. Living in the now is a challenge for most humans.
Great insights.
Thank you so much!
Yorinda
Great post Debbie. For a long time I was one of those people would not be happy about my little accomplishments and achievements. In my head they always have to be big ones for me to acknowledge them. I am just starting to make the shift to be happy and proud of the little things I accomplish. I have noticed when you start to do you are much happier. Thank you so much for the great reminder. Love ya