As we hustle through the day-to-day grind, it’s easy to become engulfed in the endless cycle of to-dos and targets. We’re often so fixated on the horizon that we forget to appreciate the ground we’ve already covered. But today, I want to take a moment to say—no, to shout—hold the fuck up! Let’s take a breath and look at how far you’ve come. It’s time to celebrate yourself and be proud because LOOK AT WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!

Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Yet, in the pursuit of our goals, we sprint a marathon’s distance every single day. We push ourselves, often to the brink of exhaustion, in the name of progress and success. But what is it all for if we don’t take the time to acknowledge our achievements and the strides we’ve made?

When was the last time you paused to reflect on your journey? When did you last give yourself a pat on the back for the mountains you’ve climbed and the obstacles you’ve overcome? We are so quick to downplay our victories, to chalk them up to luck or to diminish them as mere steps towards a larger goal. But it’s time to change that narrative.

Every milestone, no matter how small, is a testament to your resilience, your tenacity, and your strength. It’s a piece of the puzzle that is your incredible story. And you, my friend, are the architect of that story. You’ve poured your heart and soul into building something meaningful, something that matters—to you and to the world.

So let’s pause. Let’s soak in the magnitude of our accomplishments. Did you start a business? That’s amazing! Have you made progress on a personal project? That’s incredible! Did you simply make it through a tough day? That’s equally worth celebrating! Every step forward is a victory, and it’s essential we recognize that.

It’s easy to get caught up in the comparison game, to look at others and feel as if we’re lagging behind. But your journey is uniquely yours. It’s not a competition. It’s a path that you’ve carved out for yourself, with its own set of challenges and triumphs. And you’ve navigated it beautifully.

Here’s to you and all that you’ve accomplished. Cheers to the victories ahead, and remember, you are absolutely worth celebrating. Hold the fuck up and take that well-deserved bow. You’ve come so incredibly far.

Join me in my live show episode featured below to hear about the power of celebration and self-recognition. This is more than just a “nice idea” there’s some pretty cool science behind why this is important.