Photo by Ambro, courtesy of Freedigitalphotos.net
I am a strong believer in the power of celebrating little milestones on the way to a larger goal. These little wins can really help you keep your focus and motivation. Here are some of my favorite ways to celebrate those little moments:
1.Tell Someone
Celebrating with someone is way more fun than celebrating alone. If you had a great writing day where you met your word count and your characters did exactly what you wanted them to do, tell a friend. Let someone know just how great you feel. Not only will it make you feel good to tell someone how awesome your day was, but it might get them excited about your project, too.
2. Give in to a Guilty Pleasure
To meet your goals, you’ve probably given up something else you love, even if it’s something small. Treat yourself by indulging for once. It will feel like a reward, and it will help take some of the stress out of your writing schedule.
3. Do Something You Don’t Normally Do
Take a break from your writing. Go see a movie. Take a bubble bath. Go to the zoo. Do something fun that gets you away from your writing for a little while. If you do something particularly spontaneous, you might even get some ideas for your next writing day. It’s a great way to recharge and refill.
4. Really Celebrate
Maybe you met a large goal. Maybe you finished your draft. Actually take time to celebrate. You deserve it! Go out to dinner or get a cake. Do something big to treat yourself after such a huge accomplishment!
5. Write
It’s important to rest after you work hard to meet your goals, but don’t forget that you can use that energy and excitement and keep writing! Who knows, maybe it will turn into one of those days where you double your word count?
How do you like to celebrate after a great day of writing? Leave a comment
Rather Than Writing 
I go to bed. 🙂 I actually take weekends off from the big project to read and outline other ideas, so I never really feel like I have to reward myself. Though, I’m planning on doing a week of video games once I finish editing my latest book.
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I think that would be totally deserved! I’ll probably do the same!
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After a great writing day, I feel totally spent; like after great sex, or a great workout, and I treat myself to some anxiety-free down time. Sometimes, I veg in front of the TV, and sometimes I do something productive with the kid, but I almost always just walk away from the computer and rest.
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I drink as much wine as I feel like! This is usually accompanied by either a hot tub or like jcmarck, I watch tv mindlessly.
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That’s great! I’m glad you’ve found what works for you. It sounds really relaxing.
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Great stuff. Although telling the same people over and over about your accomplishment might get annoying after a while.
I think catching up on sleep is how I celebrate.
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