The Importance of Giving Yourself Credit
In a world that often focuses on productivity and outcomes, it’s easy to forget about the internal wins we experience every day. As individuals, especially those who take on multiple roles—whether it’s in our families, work, or communities—we tend to be harder on ourselves than we need to be. Often, we wait for external recognition or feedback before acknowledging our own achievements, big or small.
But what if the most important recognition you needed was from yourself? Giving yourself credit is not just about patting yourself on the back; it’s a practice of self-compassion and mental well-being that has powerful effects on your overall sense of worth.
1. Self-Recognition Boosts Confidence
When we take the time to acknowledge our efforts, we build our confidence. Confidence isn’t only about feeling good in the moment—it’s about developing resilience and a growth mindset. By recognising the positive things we do, no matter how small, we create a more realistic and empowering view of ourselves.
Think about the small steps you’ve taken today—whether it’s getting through a difficult conversation, managing your time effectively, or simply taking a moment to care for yourself. These are accomplishments that deserve recognition and celebrate the progress you are making.
2. Reduces the Risk of Burnout
Burnout is common for those who are constantly focused on tasks and responsibilities, often without taking time to appreciate the work they’ve done. When we focus only on the tasks ahead and don’t pause to acknowledge how far we’ve come, it can lead to exhaustion, feelings of inadequacy, and emotional depletion.
By celebrating even the smallest of wins, you’re allowing yourself to rest in the knowledge that you’ve made progress. This mental shift helps counteract the feeling that you’re constantly “behind” and gives you the energy to continue moving forward.
3. Promotes a Positive Mental Attitude
Acknowledging our efforts helps us build a mindset focused on growth and positivity. We often get caught up in what went wrong or what could have been better. When we learn to recognise the positives—like how we handled a difficult situation or remained calm in adversity—we create space for gratitude and appreciation.
A positive mental attitude doesn’t mean ignoring areas for growth or improvement, but rather, it allows us to recognise that progress comes in many forms, and every step counts.
4. Supports Self-Compassion
Self-compassion is the ability to treat ourselves with the same kindness, care, and understanding that we would offer a friend. A large part of being self-compassionate is acknowledging when we do something well, rather than focusing on our flaws or shortcomings.
By giving yourself credit for your achievements, you’re reinforcing a loving and supportive inner dialogue. Rather than being your own toughest critic, you become your own cheerleader, embracing both your strengths and areas for growth.
5. Shifts Your Perspective on Success
Too often, we define success in terms of external validation—getting a promotion, winning an award, or receiving recognition from others. But success is much more than that. It includes the resilience you build when facing challenges, the lessons you learn from failure, and the small victories that often go unnoticed.
Giving yourself credit for these internal successes shifts your perspective on what it means to be successful. It reminds you that success isn’t always measured by an end result but also by the process and the growth that comes along the way.
How to Practise Giving Yourself Credit
Here are a few simple ways to start incorporating this practice into your daily routine:
Reflect on Your Day: At the end of each day, take a moment to list three things you did well. It could be something as simple as having a difficult conversation or managing stress effectively.
Celebrate Small Wins: Instead of waiting for the “big” accomplishments, give yourself credit for the smaller ones. Did you make it through a tough week? Take a moment to celebrate that.
Shift Your Self-Talk: Replace critical thoughts with affirmations that recognise your efforts. Instead of thinking, "I should have done better," try saying, "I did my best and made progress."
Journal Your Achievements: Write down moments where you were proud of yourself. This creates a record of your growth and serves as a reminder of your accomplishments.
Final Thoughts
Giving yourself credit isn’t about inflating your ego or ignoring your areas of growth. It’s about practising self-compassion, building resilience, and cultivating a healthy perspective on success. By recognising your own efforts, you not only boost your confidence but also encourage a sense of inner peace and fulfilment that lasts far beyond external praise.
So take a moment today to give yourself credit — it’s a simple yet powerful act that can make a big difference in how you see and feel about yourself.