Did your latest blog post get a thoughtful comment? Do a little happy dance.
Did your business page get a new follower? Tell yourself congratulations!
Did that pitch get accepted? Treat yourself to an extra episode of your favorite show.
Did you meet your weekly writing goal? Post about it on social media.
When we do things (big or small) that make us happy and feel accomplished, pause and be in the moment. Let it marinate.
Recently, I was reading an article in Greater Good Magazine about extracting every bit of joy from the things that go right in our lives.
Social psychologist Fred Bryant at Loyola University in Chicago says we should immerse ourselves in positive moments and savor the feelings that are experienced to improve our physical and mental well-being, as well as boosting our creative thinking.
Yes, please!
Too often I see writers, editors and other content-creating folks online complaining about what went wrong in their workday. I understand it’s nice to be heard and to have an outlet, but what if we shifted our energies and celebrated the wins instead of giving time and attention to the things that make us upset?
Two years ago I wrote about Celebrating Achievements on Social Media for Personal and Professional Gain. I chatted about what to celebrate and how it can benefit your business.
Now, let’s go beyond social media.
How else can you internalize those warm fuzzy feelings so they stick with you and make your writing career rejections have less negative power over your confidence and ambition? Here are three of my favorites.
Disclosure: This blog is reader-supported, which means this post contains affiliate links and advertisements. I earn a small commission if you shop through them, which helps fund this website so I can continue to bring you amazing content. Thank you! ~Angela
Practice The HEAL Method
My therapist introduced me to the HEAL method from Rick Hanson, Ph.D. where you fully absorb a positive moment and lock the emotions associated with it into your brain. I’ve been trying to do this when I noticed true feelings of contentment and ease. You can learn how to do this too via his book, Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence.
Engage in Self Chit-Chat
You can also have a positive talk with yourself. Sometimes I’ll say something quick like, “Angie, you rock. You met that deadline early, the client loved it, and you’re closer to your monthly financial goal. Good job!” Yes, I talk to myself to remind myself that daily wins matter and I should allow myself a few moments to appreciate my hard work and diligence rather than pushing on mindlessly.
Initiate a Personal Thank You
I’m also a huge fan of expressing gratitude. Try writing down three things you’re grateful for today. Writing it helps seal that good feeling into your memory. Sometimes I create gratitude posts on social media, other times it goes in my personal journal. You can do this too!
How do you celebrate the positive things in your life?
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Note: This post was last updated on January 12, 2023.
