In a world that constantly pushes us to reach higher, it’s easy to fixate on what we haven’t achieved rather than celebrating what we have. We often dismiss our victories as small or insignificant, while holding the things we deem unattainable on a pedestal. 

But what if we flipped the script? 

What if we started normalizing our wins and holding ourselves to a higher standard, not just in what we think we can’t achieve, but in how we recognize our progress along the way?

Bridging the Gap Between Unattainable and Achievable

We all have dreams and goals that feel out of reach. Whether it’s a career milestone, a personal development goal, or a lifestyle change, the gap between where we are and where we want to be can seem vast. 

But here’s the thing: that gap is often a mental construct, a product of our perception rather than reality.

When we view something as unattainable, we inadvertently place it on a pedestal, creating a sense of distance and making it harder to reach. 

But by normalizing our wins—acknowledging and celebrating the progress we make every day—we start to close that gap. 

Each step forward, no matter how small, brings us closer to our goals. By recognizing these wins, we build momentum and confidence, which helps us tackle the bigger challenges with a belief that we can achieve what we set out to do.

Hold Yourself to a Higher Standard—But Celebrate Along the Way

It’s essential to hold yourself to a higher standard. Push yourself to grow, to strive for more, and to not settle for mediocrity. However, this doesn’t mean dismissing the victories you achieve on the journey. 

We often focus on what we haven’t done, on the things that seem just out of reach, while downplaying the steps we’ve already taken.

Start by shifting your mindset. When you achieve something, no matter how small it seems, take a moment to acknowledge it. 

Did you complete a challenging project at work? 

Did you finally hit a personal fitness goal? 

Did you overcome a fear or learn something new? 

These are wins worth celebrating, because they are the building blocks of your larger aspirations.

From Unattainable to Achievable: A Mindset Shift

The more you normalize your wins, the more you’ll realize that what once seemed unattainable is, in fact, within reach. 

It’s about shifting your focus from what’s missing to what’s already been achieved. This mindset shift allows you to see the progress you’ve made and gives you the courage to aim higher.

When you hold yourself to a higher standard, it’s not just about striving for perfection or only recognizing the big wins. It’s about setting a standard of consistency, resilience, and self-compassion.

It’s about knowing that you can achieve great things and proving it to yourself one win at a time.

The Power of Recognition

Recognizing your achievements isn’t just a feel-good exercise—it’s a powerful tool for growth. 

When you acknowledge your progress, you reinforce positive behavior and create a cycle of success. This doesn’t mean you should stop striving for more, but rather that you should build a foundation of confidence by celebrating each step forward.

In the end, the gap between what seems unattainable and what’s achievable is often narrower than we think. 

By normalizing your wins and holding yourself to a higher standard, you bridge that gap and turn your dreams into realities. 

So, take a moment to celebrate how far you’ve come, and let that fuel your journey toward where you’re going.