The Art of Self-Congratulation

If you are looking for someone to congratulate you for a job well done then you might have a long wait.

Alternatively, you can just get on with it and DIY!

Well done me.

No, I mean it. Well done me for writing this blog. It needed to be said so I’m taking the credit for it. My brain has just released a splash of dopamine and now I feel even better. Well done me again!

Awkward?

Perhaps.

If there is one thing we might not be all that comfortable with (especially us Brits) and that is congratulating ourselves. We deprive ourselves of glory all too often.

But we really shouldn’t. Self-congratulation and self-praise is allowed especially when you have made the effort to go above and beyond. It makes you feel good, it’s great for your confidence and your self-esteem starts putting on weight.

Actually, congratulating yourself for completing a task doesn’t have to be huge. It might be a small accomplishment but nevertheless it is still a biggie.

If you are going through a rough time with an illness those ‘little wins’ need to be recognised and you should definitely give yourself a pat on the back for doing what you are doing.

There are so many things we could do and without being the big ‘I am’. You can admire your own grit and hustle, give yourself a round of applause and accept the Oscar for ‘The Most Outstanding Patient’ and thank yourself, not ‘The Academy’ or the hospital.

Self-congratulation doesn’t have to be corny or embarrassing so forget your inner critic and spare your blushes by just getting on with it and praising yourself for everything you do well. Give it some gusto too and don’t hold back.

If you still don’t feel up to giving it the full Freddie Mercury treatment, you can still sing your own praises inwardly and really loud too, no one will know.

You are your own silent disco of personal praise!

Inner congratulation is easier than outer congratulation but don’t deny yourself. Positive, non-braggy self-congratulation said out loud might make you cringe the first 100 times you try it, but the more you do it, the less inhibited you will be.

Start by saying ‘Three Cheers for me!’ (it’s not just for royalty you know!)

The art of self-congratulation means a much rosier outlook on life and you get to feel good in the process. Choose self-congrats over self-depreciation every single time.

Remember, never feel shy at awarding yourself a bouquet of praise.

Well done me.