It's easy, especially in academia to discount our successes in favor of the next goal or milestone within our sights.
This can help us to reach new heights but it can also negatively impact our mental health in the long run if not kept in check.
This is why you need to not only focus on the future but also on the present.
By focusing on the present and celebrating our successes we gain an appreciation for what we've accomplished and build confidence to overcome future struggles.
1. The "Borrel"
In the Netherlands, after a paper is accepted (or any other celebratory occasion) we have a "Borrel".
A borrel, is a casual party with drinks, snacks, and music usually between colleagues to hang out, enjoy, and celebrate.
This needs to catch on abroad.
#xp
2. Reward yourself during not after
You don't have to wait until you've finished something to be happy.
By rewarding yourself during you make the experience more pleasurable.
Associate the hard work with the reward during the process and start enjoying the process more.
3. Define the milestones and rewards beforehand
Whatever project you are working on can be broken down into tinier steps.
From there you can decide what you will reward yourself with at each new milestone you reach. This will help maintain the feeling of progress.
TL;DR: Celebrate Successes
1. The "Borrel"
2. Reward yourself during not after
3. Define the milestones and rewards beforehand
So with that said.
Hope this post has inspired and provided you with some info on how to better celebrate your successes this year.
Good luck and have fun this year everyone.
