by | Mar 3, 2014 | 18 comments

If you’ve seen my recap of the Woodlands Marathon from yesterday’s post, you’ll know that I’m focusing on celebrating the big accomplishment of finishing a marathon, rather than focusing on the “failure” of not meeting my goal.  So today, for Motivation Monday, I want to challenge you to do the same: celebrate your successes! motivation monday

If you’re thinking to yourself, “I haven’t really done anything worth celebrating lately,” then I’m here to tell you in no uncertain terms: you’re wrong.  We all do things worth celebrating, whether that is having an extremely productive day, going out of our way to build each other up, completing a challenging physical feat, donating time or money to charity, getting a promotion at work, or achieving a goal that we’ve been working hard on.  If you seriously can’t think of anything to celebrate, shoot me an email, and we’ll find something together.

Now that you have “your thing,” take a moment to appreciate how great that accomplishment is!  I’ll bet it’s something that many people will never accomplish in their lives (like a marathon), or something that you’ve been working towards for a while (like losing 5 pounds, getting into the gym 2 times last week, or cutting out soda), or something that was a bit uncomfortable (like giving a meaningful compliment to someone you don’t know well).  Doesn’t it make you feel great to have completed that? celebrate yourself

(picture source – only source link I could find from Pinterest)

When we take the time to reflect on our progress, we realize that we are actually continuously improving ourselves in ways that we often take for granted.  It’s so easy to think negative thoughts about the ways we are “failing” or “not living up to our goals/ potential,” and we often let those thoughts overcrowd the feelings of accomplishment. celebrate the success of self-improvement

So today, please mentally note a few things that you are proud of accomplishing.  Congratulate yourself, and celebrate how far you’ve come, whether that be by getting a manicure after work, simply recognizing the accomplishment, or spending 5 minutes reading after you put the kids to bed.  Congratulations, I am proud of you … now be proud of yourself, too!  You’ll feel better, I promise.

So tell me in the comments … What is something you have accomplished lately that you can celebrate today?

18 Comments

  1. Tonya@healthy, Fit, and Frugal

    Great post! It’s true that we can often get down on ourselves about something that most people don’t or can’t do, like a long run. I’m celebrating that despite the fact I have a leg injury, I still find a way to exercise. Most people just give up and don’t do anything at all. So I’ll take that right now.

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      I’m super impressed that you’re continuing to exercise, Tonya! You’re right – it’s SO easy to just throw in the towel. Keep up the good work!!!

      Reply
  2. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table

    I love this idea! I celebrated Sunday but doing nothing I was supposed to do. The sunshine and warmth took priority! 🙂

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      I’m glad you got a day to enjoy and celebrate yourself. Sometimes those days are the best – when you know there are other things you “should” be doing but allow yourself to enjoy the day anyway!

      Reply
  3. Arman @ thebigmansworld

    Is it bad to celebrate the end of a working week…and now be pre celebrating another end to the working week (in 3 days….).

    I often need to celebrate the little things which in itself are achievements to reaching the final goal! thanks Meg!

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      I totally hear you, and that’s how I often used to get through the weeks, but I really do think it’s better to focus on something positive day by day, rather than JUST living for the weekends. Hang in there, Arman! Wish I could help your high stress levels!

      Reply
  4. Nikki @ grab your kicks

    Love the message to take time and appreciate yourself! Sometimes I’m too busy thinking about the next thing I’m going to do, I miss appreciating what I just accomplished. Thanks for the reminder and linking up today!!

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      Thank you for hosting, Nikki! Hope you took the time to celebrate yourself 🙂

      Reply
  5. Lisa @ Running out of Wine

    I am trying to celebrate my running last week with a lazy, laid back, day today! (I’m not very good at relaxing:)) I am off from work because of the snow so it’s been nice to lay around all morning without feeling guilty!

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      I’m not very good at relaxing either, Lisa :). Sometimes it’s nice when we’re forced to stay inside and have those days of pure relaxation – I hope you enjoyed!

      Reply
  6. Sara @ LovingOnTheRun

    Great post Megan! I’d have to say slowing down and doing that I can. The old me would have freaked out about not working out Saturday and Sunday last week. Instead of realizing I had to work 9 hour straight Friday-Sunday and I was tired. My body needed a rest and that is OK. I let myself have that rest and I am glad I did – I am strong and ready to take on Monday 🙂

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      Sara, I am REALLY, REALLY proud of you for being OK with taking two days off! I know how much of a struggle that is for you, and I think you deserve a huge pat on the back for listening to your body. I’m usually fine with taking a day off here and there, but I’ve been resting way more than usual after this marathon, too, so I’m right there with you. Good for both of us! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Davida @ The Healthy Maven

    I’m legit celebrating myself right now by calling a spa and booking a massage. I hope that counts!!!

    Also I cried on my blogiversary. I was so proud of the progress I have made. It feels weird to toot my own horn but if I’ve learned anything from blogging it’s that it’s okay to want to improve and celebrate when I do!

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      You should toot your own horn, Davida! The way your blog has grown is so impressive!

      Reply
  8. Michael Anderson

    The first and most obvious thing for me is doing >50 mile running weeks outside during a record cold winter. That is the focus of my ‘motivation monday’ post.

    But the thing even stronger in my mind is that yesterday we had a great family day – we got up, hung out drinking coffee in the living room with the fire on (no TV), then made and shared a great paleo/vegan brunch, got ourselves ready slowly and headed to a larger mall an hour away (we have a mall about 5 minutes from our house, and all chain department stores are within a 10 minute radius, but all small versions). We got home just in time to piece together quick dinners and then hung out watching the Oscars together.

    Pure family time – and with a 16 and 17 year old … that time is rare and precious.

    Reply
    • Megan Lyons

      LOVE that you were able to spend an entire day with two teenage boys … you know you must be doing something right as a parent!

      Reply

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Hi! I'm Megan Lyons,

the voice behind The Lyons’ Share. I love all things health, wellness, and fitness-related, and I hope to share some of my passion with you. Thanks for stopping by!
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