Likes, shares, approval, praise. All of it matters… but somehow, you don’t really feel accomplished.
Its not that you’re failing. You’re just measuring your life by other people’s expectations, not your own.
And that’s where making yourself proud comes in.
The first step is noticing yourself
You don’t have to wait for a promotion, a viral post, or a perfect day to feel proud. The little things count.
Finishing a project you were putting off.
Showing up to a workout even when you don’t feel like it.
Choosing to eat well, or meditate, or write down a thought.
These small wins are what build your self-respect. And self-respect is the foundation of pride.
Why it works
When you do things for yourself, not for applause, you start to retrain your brain. You stop living reactively waiting for someone else to give you permission to feel worthy and start living proactively.
Every small choice compounds. Every consistent action adds up. And over time, those moments stack into a life you can actually admire.
“No one has loved you the way you want because that job can only be done by you”
How to start today
Pick one small win — something realistic you can do today that makes you feel accomplished.
Write it down — seeing progress visually helps your brain recognize achievement.
Celebrate privately — a moment of pride doesn’t need likes. Just a nod to yourself.
Making yourself proud isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. It fuels your growth, your confidence, and even the way you show up for others.
Start small. Keep showing up. And one day, you’ll look back and realize: you built a life you’re proud of all on your own terms.
Niklas, co-founder, Project Meliora
Onto better things