Something you should be doing in recovery is keeping up with your “wins.” A win is something great that you did that you want to recognize and be proud of. Contrary to popular belief, however, no win is too small! You should count every win, even if you think it’s insignificant. Nothing is too small to recognize when it comes to your recovery. Here are some tips to help you celebrate your wins, no matter how minuscule they may initially seem.
Small Win, Big Motivator
We all use past accomplishments as motivators to keep us moving in the right direction. Some people, however, write off some of their wins because they think they are too small. If you’re in recovery, no win is too small! A “small” win can be a big motivator! Regardless of the size of the win, it’s an achievement that you should be proud of. You don’t have to be given a reward to celebrate an accomplishment. Give yourself the reward of praise that you are seeking from others. Find joy in your wins intrinsically.
Big or Small, a Win Is a Win
With each win, no matter how small, our brain reacts in the same way: dopamine is released due to the anticipation of the reward of a win. This leads us to repeat the action so that we get that reward again. This is what helps create habits, both good and bad. Find pleasure in what you’re doing, so that you will find a reward in your win. This helps motivate you to move onto your next win, creating a domino effect that keeps you moving in the right direction. It doesn’t matter how small the win may seem, this pattern happens when we get excited about a win.
Wins Create Healthy Habits
Like we said above, the release of hormones helps to create habits within us. When we focus on healthy things, such as being proud of a day sober, we help create that healthy habit. This habit helps to motivate you toward your next win. This cycle repeats and repeats. This is how people end up staying sober for weeks, months, and years!
Arbor Behavioral Healthcare is here to help you count your small wins because there is no such thing as a win that is too small. Contact us today for more information about how we can help you create healthy habits in your recovery. Call us now at 844-413-2690. We can’t wait to speak with you!