Ethan Sterling
It’s easy to get caught up in the rat race and forget to celebrate our achievements. But certain accomplishments in life deserve a pat on the back.
In this article, I’ll share eight of these accomplishments that you should take pride in. Ready to find out if you’ve hit these life milestones?
Let’s dive right in!
1) You’ve cultivated self-love
The journey to self-love can be a tough one. It’s littered with self-doubt, criticism, and comparisons.
Despite what some people might tell you, it isn’t about being narcissistic or self-obsessed, though. It’s about acknowledging your value as an individual and treating yourself with kindness and respect.
It’s the foundation for healthy relationships and overall happiness, but it’s not always easy to achieve.
Have you reached a point in your life where you truly love and appreciate yourself? If so, give yourself a big pat on the back. You deserve it. It’s a sign of emotional maturity and inner strength – and it’s definitely worth celebrating.
2) You’ve learned to let go
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in life is that sometimes, we just have to let go to move forward.
A few years back, I found myself clinging to a job that was draining me both emotionally and physically. I was miserable, but I held on, afraid of change and the uncertainty that comes with it.
Finally, after many sleepless nights, I decided to let go. It was terrifying, but it was also one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Letting go isn’t just about quitting a job or ending a relationship. It’s about releasing toxic thoughts, letting go of past mistakes, and moving forward from failures. It’s about understanding that not everything is in your control, and that’s okay.
If you’ve learned to let go and move forward, you should be extremely proud of yourself. It takes courage to step into the unknown and strength to leave behind what no longer serves you.
3) You’ve maintained long-lasting friendships
In the age of social media, where thousands of “friends” are just a click away, maintaining deep and meaningful friendships has become somewhat of a rarity.
But they are so important. Long-lasting friendships are about more than just shared memories and laughter. They’re about having someone who supports you in your lows, celebrates with you in your highs, and loves you for who you are.
Maintaining these bonds over the years is no small feat. It requires patience, effort, understanding, and a whole lot of love.
4) You’ve overcome a fear
Fear can be a crippling emotion, often preventing us from stepping out of our comfort zones and pursuing our dreams.
Overcoming it doesn’t necessarily mean that you no longer feel scared. It’s about feeling the fear and still choosing to move forward. It’s about not letting fear dictate your decisions and limit your potential.
Whether it’s the fear of failure, the fear of rejection, or even the fear of success – if you’ve managed to face your fears and not let them hold you back, that’s a huge achievement.
It takes immense courage to look fear in the eye and keep going, and if you’ve done that, you have every reason to be immensely proud of yourself.
5) You’ve helped others without expecting anything in return
We live in a world where many actions are driven by the expectation of something in return. But if you’ve managed to help others purely out of the goodness of your heart, that’s a beautiful thing.
Selfless acts of kindness have a way of making us feel fulfilled. They remind us of our capability to impact others positively and can often be the most rewarding experiences in life.
Whether it’s volunteering your time, lending a listening ear, or simply offering a helping hand when someone’s in need – these acts of kindness make a significant difference.
6) You’ve embraced failure
There was a time when failure felt like the end of the world for me. I used to see it as a sign of my incompetence rather than a step towards growth.
But over time, I learned to embrace failure as a part of life and a stepping stone towards success. Each failure taught me something new, and it pushed me to grow and improve.
Embracing failure is not about celebrating losses but about understanding that failure is essential for growth. It’s about learning from your mistakes and using them as stepping stones to success.
If you’ve also managed to shift your perspective and see failure as an opportunity for growth, you should be incredibly proud of yourself. It’s not easy to look at our shortcomings and failures positively, but doing so is a sign of incredible resilience and strength.
7) You’ve set boundaries
Setting boundaries is an essential part of maintaining our mental and emotional health. It’s about defining what’s acceptable to you and what’s not, in your relationships and your personal life.
Boundaries can be about saying no when you’re overwhelmed, distancing yourself from toxic individuals, or even deciding how much time you want to dedicate to work.
It might sound simple, but it can be challenging. It often involves difficult conversations and standing your ground even when it’s uncomfortable.
8) You’ve pursued your passion
Last but not least, choosing to follow your passion can be a brave and challenging path. It’s about going against the norm, taking risks, and often facing rejection and failure.
But there’s something incredibly fulfilling about doing what you love. It gives purpose to your life, fuels your creativity, and brings a sense of joy that no amount of money or fame can match.
Have you managed to pursue your passion, regardless of the challenges and setbacks? Well, that’s an achievement worth celebrating. It shows your courage, resilience, and commitment to living a life that’s true to who you are.
Final thoughts: It’s all about perspective
Life isn’t just about monumental achievements, it’s also about the small victories, the personal growth, and the quiet moments of reflection.
It’s about acknowledging and celebrating your progress, your resilience, and your courage – in whatever form they may come. Whether it’s learning to love yourself, maintaining long-lasting friendships, or pursuing your passion against all odds.
These accomplishments may not be plastered on billboards or lauded in newspapers, but they hold immense value. They shape you as an individual, contribute to your happiness, and make life worth living.
So, take a moment to reflect on these accomplishments. And remember, if you’ve achieved any of these 8 things in life, you should definitely be proud of yourself.
