When you’re living with fibromyalgia, the definition of success often requires a complete overhaul. It’s no longer about conquering mile-long to-do lists or chasing perfection—it’s about the small wins that keep life manageable and fulfilling. These wins, though seemingly modest, hold immense power in shaping emotional well-being, boosting self-esteem, and improving relationships.
What Counts as a “Small Win”?
With fibromyalgia, even the simplest things can feel monumental. For me, keeping my room picked up is a victory in itself. Clutter messes with my peace, so when I manage to keep my space tidy, it feels like a big exhale.
On those rare, glorious days when mental clarity decides to show up, I pour that energy into my creative projects. Whether I’m writing for my blog, working on the next magazine, or connecting with readers on social media, it’s a reminder that my creativity is still alive and kicking, even if it takes a bit longer to get there.
Biting the Elephant: The Shift to Gratitude
I used to obsess over what I didn’t get done. That endless mental list of unfinished tasks loomed over me, whispering, “You used to handle so much more!” I was constantly measuring today’s efforts against yesterday’s energy, and let me tell you—it wasn’t working.
Then I found a little wisdom wrapped in a quirky metaphor: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. It hit me: fibromyalgia forces you to take things in bites, whether you like it or not. Breaking projects down into manageable pieces suddenly felt less like defeat and more like strategy.
Now, instead of fixating on what’s left, I look at what I did. Maybe I only wrote one paragraph or cleared one corner of a room, but that’s one bite closer to the finish line. Gratitude for each step forward changed the game.
The Power of Celebrating Small Wins
Here’s the thing: small wins aren’t just a nice idea—they’re biologically rewarding. Every time you acknowledge an accomplishment, no matter how tiny, your brain gives you a little dopamine boost. It’s like a shot of “keep-going juice,” helping you feel motivated and satisfied.
Over time, those little wins start adding up. They create momentum, reminding you that progress—even slow, messy, non-linear progress—is still progress. Celebrating these wins keeps you grounded in what’s possible, rather than stuck in what isn’t.
How to Celebrate Your Wins
- Write Them Down: Keep a journal or a list of what you accomplish each day. Seeing it on paper turns abstract effort into something tangible.
- Treat Yourself: Whether it’s a cozy blanket, your favorite tea, or simply a guilt-free break, find ways to reward your effort.
- Tell Someone: Share your victories with people who get it. Their encouragement can make the moment even sweeter.
- Shift the Focus: Stop looking at what’s unfinished. Start appreciating what you’ve done.
What Success Really Means
Here’s the truth: success isn’t a finish line. It’s not a trophy, a perfect house, or a sparkling résumé. Success is every little step you take in a life shaped by fibromyalgia. It’s the tiny victories that build a meaningful, sustainable way of living.
So, when you pick up that clutter, take another bite of the elephant, or simply rest when your body demands it, give yourself a moment to celebrate. That’s success. Not in spite of fibromyalgia, but because of it.
What’s your next small win going to be?
