Help With That

Do you self reward? As you go through your day, ticking things off the list, how often do you actually pause and give yourself a reward? Whether it’s finally cracking that tricky problem or tackling the job you have been putting off. Do you take the time for a quiet ‘Well done, me’ for getting it done? It’s easy to keep your head down and plough on to the next task. This is especially true when you’re running your own business.

But I’ve been thinking lately, what if we started paying a bit more attention to those smaller wins? Those moments where you think, ‘Yeah, I handled that’? Just a bit of recognition can make all the difference to someone. We need to remember to give ourselves that same acknowledgement.

Little Wins Matter

It’s not about throwing a massive party every time you send an email. It’s more about those little mental acknowledgements, that quiet sense of satisfaction. Because there’s actually something to be said for it. When you do achieve something, even a small thing, you get a little lift. That’s your brain doing its thing, releasing a bit of dopamine, which is all tied up with feeling good and being motivated. It’s a natural boost that encourages you to keep going.

In the context of work, you know how much a simple ‘thank you’ can mean to someone? It makes them feel valued and more likely to keep putting in the effort. Well, the same sort of thing applies to us. We need to be our own cheerleaders sometimes.

Think about those days when you’ve been wrestling with a problem. You’ve been turning it over in your mind. It feels like you’re getting nowhere. And then, suddenly, the solution clicks. That moment of ‘aha!’ is a little victory in itself. Do you just move straight on to the next thing? Or do you take a second to appreciate that you figured it out? I think pausing to reward yourself can make a real difference to how you feel about yourself.

And it’s not just about the big breakthroughs. What about finally tackling that task you’ve been putting off? You know the one that’s been hanging over you like a grey cloud? When you finally get it done, there’s a real sense of relief and accomplishment. That’s another mini win that deserves recognition.

Especially Important For Business Owners

For those of us running our own businesses, this becomes even more important. Because often, it’s just you. There isn’t always someone there to pat you on the back and say, “Good job.” You’re the one setting the goals, tackling the challenges, and making things happen. Make a conscious effort to acknowledge your own progress. Even if progress seems small, it can be a real lifeline for staying motivated. It also helps in keeping a positive mindset.

Think of it as building your own internal support system. By acknowledging your achievements, you’re reinforcing the idea that your efforts are worthwhile and that you’re capable of making progress. Positive self-talk can be incredibly powerful. This is especially true when you’re facing the inevitable ups and downs of running a business.

Small Ways to Self Reward Your Wins

So, what does a self reward look like in practice? It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. Maybe it’s allowing yourself a proper coffee break after finally finishing that report. Perhaps it’s taking five minutes to do something you enjoy after a particularly demanding call. It’s those little nods to yourself that say, “You did that, well done.”

What small win have you had today? Take a moment to acknowledge it. You might be surprised at the little boost it gives you.

Recognising your achievements is a great first step in boosting your productivity and mindset. But if you’re finding yourself constantly swamped, you might be struggling to even find the time for those little rewards. Perhaps a bit of extra support could make a real difference. If tasks that consume your time and energy are overwhelming you, let’s discuss how Help With That could free up your time for more self rewards.