My husband and I have a wonderful Sunday morning routine. When the weather is nice, we walk to the neighborhood coffee shop and chat about what happened during the week. Then I record what I call our “weekly wins” in a journal. I list all of the good things that happened that week, large or small, and we celebrate them together.
This small practice of recognizing and commemorating life’s little blessings has made us more grateful and appreciative. Noticing progress towards our goals makes us realize that we’re on the right track. Even when times are tough, actively searching for the hidden pearls of beauty in the midst of trouble makes us thankful for what we do have.
This week, set aside time to reflect on the past few days and write down at least three good things that happened. These don’t have to be big achievements! Did you make even a tiny bit of progress, no matter how small, toward reaching a goal? Write it down! Did you finish a work assignment early? Try a new recipe that proved to be delicious? Keep your composure when your toddler threw a tantrum in the middle of Target? Write them ALL down. These small wins eventually build up to become a mountain of success.
In his book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less,* personal development guru Greg McKeown said “a small, concrete win creates momentum and affirms our faith in our further successes”(p. 196). Writing down and reveling in small wins helps us move toward even greater achievements. Each week, jot down your “weekly wins” in a journal. On your next monthly Personal Retreat Day, look back on the weekly wins from the previous month and celebrate all the good things that have come your way!
Activity Cheat Sheet:
- This Sunday, take 5 minutes to reflect and jot down at least 3 good things that happened or accomplishments you achieved over the past 7 days.
- Add to this list week after week: these become your “weekly wins.”
- At your next Personal Retreat Day, read through all of your WINS from the past month and celebrate your progress!
One more thing before you go: Would you take one moment to share a “weekly win” on Instagram?
*I receive an affiliate bonus for books ordered through Amazon