Word of the Week

Achievement

Definition: a thing done successfully, typically by effort, courage, or skill

Consider this...

It feels great to achieve things, but for some reason, when asked what they’ve achieved recently, most people are inclined to say, “Nothing, really.” To that I say, “Pashah! Nothing?” I simply can’t believe that nothing is the answer.

An achievement is anything done successfully, whether helping your child with his/her homework, completing an assignment for work, cleaning out a messy drawer or area in your home, planting a bed of flowers, or any one of a myriad of other things - like incorporating this week’s nutrition or fitness tip into your life. You don’t have to cure cancer, go to the moon or get elected to high public office to have an achievement (which isn’t to say that those things don’t count!) - you just have to have done something successfully.

Think of something right now that you’ve achieved recently. Now say, “Great job!” Try adding, “Keep up the good work.” Be proud of your achievements. I’m not suggesting that you should start sharing each of your achievements with people at your office (it might be weird if you told a coworker, “I cleaned out a drawer!”), but I do think that you need to acknowledge each of your achievements to yourself and give yourself some much deserved acclaim and accolades.

Taking pride in our achievements makes us happier and motivates us to keep doing great things with ourselves.

At the end of every day this week think about something you achieved. Say, “Great job,” to yourself, and smile widely. If you want, do something especially nice for yourself.