That Awkward Moment When You Admit You Did a Great Job

Yesterday, during a session with my coach (because yes, coaches need coaches too), I was asked to do something simple.

Name a win, and celebrate it. Yikes!

It wasn’t about a big achievement - just a small moment I could pause on and say, “I did that”. I didn’t freeze or shut down, but I definitely had to sit with the discomfort. That quiet squirming inside me - the voice asking, Does this really count? Is this enough?

That awkwardness felt important.

Celebrating wins is often misunderstood. Some see it as boasting or only for big moments. But really, it’s about giving yourself permission to notice the small steps that add up. It’s about kindness toward yourself.

And there’s real science behind why this matters.

When you celebrate a win or get genuine recognition, your brain releases dopamine. It’s the chemical that makes you feel good, motivates you, and helps you want to do more. Even tiny wins can spark this, which is why noticing progress matters, even when it feels small or invisible.

And there’s more. Research on self-compassion, like the work of Dr. Kristin Neff, shows that being kind to yourself - especially when things are tough - builds resilience and reduces stress. Celebrating your wins is one way to practice this self-compassion. It’s like giving yourself a little kindness boost, and a cuddle - mwah!

Plus, when someone else says, You’re doing great, it’s not just nice words. Psychology tells us this kind of feedback acts as social proof and validation. It counters that harsh internal voice and helps us start to see ourselves through kinder eyes.

The magic is that over time, these external reminders help rewire our brains. We get better at spotting our own wins and feeling okay about them, even when no one else is watching.

That’s why having supporters, coaches & mentors who point out your wins is so powerful. They help you practice celebrating yourself until it feels more natural.

In my work, I ask people to name their wins - moments they showed up, made a choice, took a step. Because momentum builds not just from big success, but from daily acts of courage that often go unnoticed.

Yet when it’s my turn, I still find myself brushing it off, rushing through, downplaying. They say you teach best what you most need, and that’s 100% true here!

Maybe you know this feeling too.

I’m learning celebrating wins isn’t about sounding impressive. It’s about letting something matter to you and trusting your progress counts.

Sometimes, the win is showing up on a tough day. Saying yes to yourself when it was easier to say no.

Maybe that’s the real victory - the quiet moments of recognition, even when no one else sees.

If it feels awkward to celebrate yourself, I'm with you! Yet, it’s a sign you’re breaking an old habit of overlooking your effort.

So maybe the practice is this - say it out loud, sit with the discomfort, and hold your win gently in your hand.

For me, that’s enough.

And maybe that’s the whole point.