#1: How To Celebrate All The Wins - No Matter How Small
Okay, mamas. Let's get real for a second. Do you ever feel like you’re barely keeping it together and then someone asks you, “So, how’s your day going?” You’re like, how’s it going? Well, I got through the day without spilling my coffee on myself and managed not to yell at anyone (too much). But honestly, if that’s your win, celebrate the hell out of it!
Look, we get it. Motherhood is pure chaos. One minute, you're trying to get out the door in time for school drop-off, and the next, you're eating your kid's leftover pizza in the laundry room because it’s the only place you can have five seconds of peace. But here’s the thing—those little wins? They count. Big time.
In a world where we’re expected to be everything to everyone and somehow manage to do it all while still looking like we have it together (newsflash: we don't), we deserve to stop and give ourselves some credit. So let’s put aside the guilt and the unrealistic expectations, and start celebrating the tiny victories that keep us going. Because if we don’t, who else will? (Spoiler: probably no one, because everyone else is also drowning in the laundry pile).
Here are 6 practical ways to actually celebrate the wins in the beautiful chaos of motherhood—whether it's a full day of surviving, or the simple joy of eating a warm meal without sharing it with anyone else (bliss). Now, grab your coffee, tea or wine, get comfy, and let’s break down how you can actually start celebrating your small wins every single day.
1. The “High-5 Habit”
The "High Five Habit" is simple: Every time you accomplish something, no matter how small, give yourself a high five—literally. You can do this in front of the mirror, at the kitchen counter, or even in the bathroom. You just take a moment, give yourself a high five (yes, seriously), and say something like, “Good job, mama,” or “You did that!” I learned this from Mel Robbins, she actually wrote a whole ass book on this exact topic “The High 5 Habit” and it is a scientifically proven method to change your mindset, attitude & behavior.
The beauty of this is that it’s a small, fun act of self-recognition that doesn’t take a ton of time or effort. It’s all about celebrating those little moments that often go unnoticed. Maybe you survived a toddler tantrum without losing your shit, or you finally cleaned the bathroom (sort of), or you got everyone out of the house without forgetting the diapers—you deserve a high five for each of those.
A few practical tips on how to or when to implement this habit are:
1. High Five Yourself Every Time You Cross Something Off Your To-Do List:
Whether it’s something major (like getting through an entire school day with no drama) or something minor (like folding one load of laundry), high five yourself when you accomplish a task. It’s like giving yourself a mini victory lap. It’s a small, simple act, but it’s a great way to build momentum and remind yourself that you’re knocking it out of the park, one thing at a time.
Tip: Keep a small, written to-do list somewhere visible, so you can physically cross things off (or check them off your phone) and follow it up with a high five.
2. Use the Mirror High Five to Boost Your Confidence
Mornings are tough, and sometimes it’s hard to feel good about yourself when you're running around like a madwoman. But a mirror high five can instantly change your mindset. Stand in front of a mirror, give yourself a high five, and say something affirming like, “You’ve got this, mama,” or “You are doing awesome.” This simple act can increase your confidence and shift your mindset, especially on days when you feel like you’re barely holding it together.
Tip: Do this first thing in the morning or right before a big task, like a meeting or school pickup. It’s a little boost of self-love to get you through the day.
3. High Five Yourself After Tough Moments
When things get chaotic—like when your kid has a meltdown in public or the house feels like a tornado hit it—pause, take a deep breath, and give yourself a high five. It’s a way to acknowledge that you survived, and you’re doing the best you can. Plus, it helps you reframe the situation as a win rather than a failure. You handled it, and that’s something to celebrate!
Tip: After the tough moment, instead of focusing on what went wrong, pause for a second and high five yourself. It can feel weird at first, but the more you do it, the more natural it becomes. And trust me, it’s a mood-lifter.
4. Create a High Five Moment After Each "Self-Care Win"
Remember, self-care isn’t just about spa days or long vacations—it’s the small acts that count. Whenever you do something to take care of yourself, like drinking enough water, eating a healthy snack, or even just sitting down for five minutes of quiet, give yourself a high five. These moments of self-care are wins, too!
Tip: Make it a point to check in with yourself regularly during the day. When you notice you're taking care of yourself, reward it with a high five. It could be after a mindful moment or even after remembering to call your mom!
5. Get the Family Involved
Make the High Five Habit a fun family activity. Teach your kids to celebrate their own little wins with high fives, too. Every time they complete a task (like brushing their teeth without complaining or finishing their homework), encourage them to high five themselves. You can even have a family high-five session at the end of the day where everyone shares their wins and gives themselves a high five (and each other!). Not only will it build your confidence, but it will build them up, too!
Tip: Start a “High Five Round” at the dinner table where everyone shares their highlight of the day and gives themselves a high five. It makes it feel like a team celebration!
The more you do it, the more you’ll start to feel like you’ve got this—because, let’s be honest, you do! The point is, small wins can build up into big ones, and by celebrating them in the moment, you remind yourself that you’re kicking butt at this whole mom thing!
2. Take 5-Minute “Victory Breaks” Like A Boss
Let’s face it—moms rarely get a true break. When we do, it’s usually spent doing more work. Grocery shopping? Yep, that’s a “break.” Dropping the kids off at school? Enjoy that moment of “freedom” while you’re thinking about the 10 other things you need to do before 10 a.m.
But what if, instead of pushing through until you’re totally burned out, you gave yourself a 5-minute victory break every time you pull off a small win? (And trust me, you’re pulling off way more than you think.)
Here’s the deal:
Finish a work email? Victory break!
Survive the grocery store with both kids AND no meltdowns? Victory break, and maybe a gold star.
Actually fold the laundry before it morphs into a mountain of clothes? Oh yeah, victory break all the way!
Now, you might be thinking, “5 minutes? That’s nothing!” But here’s the thing: those tiny little celebrations add up. Five minutes of doing something that makes you feel good can completely reset your brain, and when you’re constantly reminding yourself that you’re kicking butt, you’ll feel more like a mom in control—and less like a mom-shaped zombie.
Here’s how you can do it:
1. The “Dance Party in the Kitchen” Break
You just wrapped up a million things, so now it’s time to get weird for five minutes. Hit play on your favorite song (even if it's the Doggyland soundtrack) and dance like no one’s watching. Who cares if you’ve got a kid hanging off your leg? Just shimmy and shake like you’re Beyoncé on tour. It doesn’t matter how ridiculous you look—it’s about the vibe. (Bonus points if you get your kids to join in and turn it into a mini rave.)
2. The “I’m Gonna Drink This Coffee Before It Gets Stale” Break
We’ve all been there—coffee that was supposed to be consumed before 8 a.m. but instead, gets consumed by 3pm. Take a moment, pour yourself a fresh cup, and actually sit down to drink it. Let it be the moment you cherish, the 5 minutes where you don’t have to share your beverage with anyone. Drink it slowly. Sip it like you’re on a beach somewhere. You earned it, mama.
3. The “Lie Down and Breathe” Break
This one’s super simple but powerful. Lie down for 5 minutes—yes, actually lie flat on the floor, on the couch (after you’ve shoved all the toys off of it) or in your bed if you’re lucky enough to avoid banging on the door. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and let your body relax. Not only does this recharge you mentally, but it gives you a quick escape from the chaos around you. If you fall asleep, even better. If not, at least you’re not thinking about the 37 other things you’re supposed to be doing.
4. The “Treat Yo’Self Snack” Break
Whether it’s chocolate, chips, or that cookie you hid in your own cookie jar stashed in your room—take 5 minutes to eat something you actually enjoy. This isn't a “grab a granola bar while doing 47 things at once” moment. It’s a full-on, unapologetic “I’m eating this with no guilt, and I’m enjoying it” break. Eat it slowly, savor the taste, and remember that you deserve it.
5. The “Escape to the Bathroom” Break
Okay, let’s get real for a second—sometimes, the only “me time” you’ll get is when you lock yourself in the bathroom for five minutes. Use this time to scroll mindlessly through social media, watch a YouTube video that has nothing to do with motherhood, or just stare blankly at the wall. It’s the small things that keep you going, so take those 5 minutes for yourself, and don’t feel bad about it!
You don’t need hours of “me time” to recharge. All it takes is five minutes of pure, unapologetic you time. Celebrate every little win, from surviving the toddler tantrum to checking everything off your to-do list (even if that’s just cleaning up the kitchen). These mini victory breaks add up, and before you know it, you’ll feel less like a stressed-out robot and more like a mom who’s in control and thriving. So next time you crush a task—whether it's big or small—take 5 minutes and bask in the glory of that well-deserved break.
3. Talk About It (Out Loud)
You know what’s crazy? We’re really good at celebrating other people’s wins. But for some reason, when it comes to our own wins, we stay silent. Why is that? So I give you full permission; Start talking about your wins. Out loud. Whether that’s with your partner, your best friend, your mom, or even with your kids.
Example: "You guys, I just made a healthy dinner AND no one complained. I’m killing it today!" or “Mom, I finally got Miss J to put on her shoes to go to school this morning! Hallelujah!”
Well, I’m here to tell you: Talk about your wins. Out loud. Yes, out loud. It's time to drop the humble-bragging guilt and just own it. You did something amazing, and it’s okay to let people know. Tell someone. Gloat a little (no judgement here). It’s okay to be proud of yourself. You’re not boasting; you’re simply recognizing your own hard work. If you’re alone, shout your victory to the mirror, your kids or your dog. Whatever works.
A few practical ways to do this are:
1. The “Victory Shout” to Your Partner/Coparent
You just made it through the day without yelling at anyone (or yourself)—and that deserves to be celebrated! Tell your partner or your kids dad. Whether they’re ready or not, hit them with a full-on victory shout. "Hey, I didn’t lose my shit during the kids’ tantrum and I still got them to bed on time. I am fucking killing it today!"
Pro Tip: If your partner’s response is less “wow” and more “uh, okay” (because they’re used to your superpowers), remind them that this is a win for the whole family. No one is underestimating your greatness.
2. Gloat to Your Kids (They’ll Think You’re a Legend)
If you’ve survived a battle with picky eaters and somehow managed to cook a meal without it ending up on the floor or being told, “no, thank you”, tell your kids about how pumped you are. Seriously. Kids love a good “Mom is amazing” moment, even if it’s you telling them! "Guess what, guys? I made dinner and you not only tried it, but you ate all of it!"
Pro Tip: They might not fully appreciate it now, but trust me, they’ll think you’re a legend when they’re older and realize how much you actually did for them. Start the bragging early.
3. Brag to Your Best Friend (She’s Your Biggest Fan)
If you’ve got a bestie who can handle your glory moments, text them or FaceTime them about your latest win. Honestly, if your best friend doesn't celebrate you like you're winning the lottery, are they even your best friend? "Okay, not to brag, but I got through the grocery store with two kids, no meltdowns, and only three minor tantrums. Is this an amazing day, or what?"
Pro Tip: If your best friend responds with a “Yesss, queen!” or a string of fire emojis, you know you’ve found your people. But even if they just send a “nice” text, enjoy the win. You know it’s a big deal.
4. “Victory Mirror Talk” (Don’t Judge, Just Do It)
Sometimes, the only person who will truly appreciate your win in the moment is you. So, give yourself a pep talk in the mirror. Stand there, look yourself in the eye, and just acknowledge how awesome you are. Recite affirmations daily to help your self growth and confidence.“Me? I got everyone dressed, fed, and out the door on time? Look at you, being the best mom EVER.”
Pro Tip: If you start doing this daily, you’ll feel like you have your own personal cheerleader. Plus, no one can interrupt you mid-victory speech. It's just you and your greatness.
Here’s the thing: You’re not boasting, you’re simply recognizing your wins. No one else is going to throw a parade for you (unless you’re planning one, in which case, I’d like an invite). You have to celebrate yourself because not everyone will boost you up the way you do. So start celebrating those little victories—loudly, proudly, and often. The more you talk about your wins, the more you’ll start to realize just how amazing you truly are.
It’s time to shout your wins from the rooftops—whether you’re talking to your partner, your mom, your kids, your dog, or just yourself in the mirror. You’re killing it, mama, and it’s time the world knew it!
4. Treat Yourself Like a Queen (At Least 10 Minutes Daily)
Okay, let’s talk about something crucial—you deserve to treat yourself like royalty. I know, I know, you’re probably rolling your eyes right now. "I’m too busy to even remember what self-care is," you might be thinking. But hear me out: even if you can only carve out 10 minutes in your day, it can make a world of difference.
And no, we’re not talking about a 3-hour spa day (though that sounds amazing). We’re talking about small, everyday indulgences that make you feel like the queen you are—because, mama, you are royalty in this household.
So after you crush a “mom win”—whether that’s surviving the school drop-off without a meltdown or successfully convincing your toddler to wear something other than her favorite mermaid dress for the third day in a row—take those 10 minutes and bask in your glory.
Here are 6 practical, relatable, and very doable tips for treating yourself like the queen you are—even if you’re the queen of a household with sticky floors and a laundry mountain:
1. The “Bathroom Hideaway” Doom Scroll Break
We all know that sometimes the only real privacy you get is locked in the bathroom, sitting on the toilet with the door closed. So why not turn that into a “royal” escape? Give yourself 10 minutes to doom-scroll in peace. Whether you're learning a new language on Duolingo, reading this blog, or watching the latest TikTok trends, it’s your time to do absolutely nothing productive. No laundry. No dishes. No snack fetching. Just you, your phone, and the world of Facebook drama. Set a timer so you don’t get too carried away, but don’t feel guilty—this is a moment of indulgence.
2. “Face Mask + YouTube Tutorial” Time
We all know skincare is important (even if it’s just throwing on a face mask while folding laundry). But guess what? You deserve those 10 minutes of “me time.” Slap on that mask, let it do its thing, and catch up on a 15-minute YouTube video or whatever random thing you’ve been dying to watch. No judgment—just self-care.
3. The “Candlelit Calm Down” Moment
If you’ve never lit a candle and simply sat down and tried to control the direction of the smoke or to just enjoy the glow of it for no reason other than to be present... what are you even doing with your life? Seriously, grab your favorite candle, light it, and sit somewhere quiet. You don’t need to meditate or come up with deep thoughts—just breathe deeply, sip your coffee, and let your brain hit the reset button. If you start thinking about the laundry or the 47 unread emails, just smile, recognize the thought, thank it for coming and let it go while reminding yourself that you deserve this break.
4. The “Run for Coffee” Expedition
Okay, this is a fan favorite of mine—get in the car, strap in the kids, and go get yourself some coffee. No, this isn’t “just for the kids,” and no, you’re not going to treat this like a “family outing” in the name of productivity. This is a solo mission to get your favorite latte (and, fine, a donut for the little ones). If you’ve got a favorite coffee shop, treat yourself to that perfect blend of caffeine, whipped cream, or whatever magic they put in those fancy cups. It’s the one time a day where you’ll feel like you’re living your best life, even if it’s just for a few minutes of blissful sips with Doggyland playing in the background.
5. The “Shameless Snack Attack”
We all know that as a mom, your snack game is always about the kids. “Can I have a cookie? Can I have some chips? Can I have the last piece of cheese?” But listen up, queen: this is your time to snack for YOU. Put aside that leftover goldfish or half-eaten apple slices, and grab something just for yourself. It could be that chocolate bar hidden in the your room, that bag of chips you've been eyeing, or even just a bowl of your favorite ice cream. Take your time. This isn’t “I’ll eat this quickly while doing chores.” This is a snack you savor—no sharing, no guilt.
The trick is to give yourself permission to take those moments, even when you feel like you don’t have time. You’ve earned it. Whether it’s indulging in a quick coffee, scrolling mindlessly on your phone, or sneaking away to eat a snack in peace—take the time.
5. Reward Yourself
Listen, mama, you’ve been grinding all day long—whether that’s wrangling your kids through morning chaos, keeping the household from descending into full-on disaster mode, or surviving a never-ending to-do list that seems to multiply by the hour. You deserve a reward. No, seriously. It’s time to stop waiting for someone else to throw you a parade and start handing yourself your own dang trophy.
Rewards are my personal go-to celebration for any mom win, big or small. And I’m not talking about some vague, fluffy concept of “self-care.” I’m talking real, tangible treats—things that make you feel like you’ve actually achieved something worthwhile. The beauty of a reward is that it gives you something to look forward to. The promise of something indulgent at the end of a chaotic day is the carrot on the stick that helps you get through the madness.
So whether it’s a tiny treat or something a little more extravagant, make sure you’re celebrating yourself. You’ve earned it. And no, you don’t have to wait for a major milestone to get this reward. Surviving a regular Tuesday is plenty worthy of a treat.
A few of my favorite go-to rewards are:
1. Chocolate is Your BFF (Buy It in Bulk)
I don’t care what kind of day you had—chocolate is always the answer. I mean, come on, if you’ve just survived the chaos of bedtime, nothing says victory like a piece of chocolate. Or, if you’re like me, three or four pieces of dark chocolate. But who’s counting, right?
After you put the kids to bed (or after any small, successful win), head straight to the stash you’ve hidden (or pretend you’re just "making sure it’s still there"). Break off a square (or four), savor that sweet, glorious bite, and feel the world’s problems melt away for just a moment. You did it. You survived the day. Celebrate that, one chocolate square at a time.
Pro Tip: Keep a stash of your favorite chocolate in a secret spot. Trust me, it’s essential. No one will judge you, and your future self will thank you for it.
2. Solo Trip to Your Go-To Store (Yes, You Can Leave the Kids at Home)
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. “A solo trip to Walmart? To Target? That’s a whole vacation.” And you’re not wrong. There is something magical about strolling down the aisles of your favorite store without tiny humans asking for every toy they see or screaming about the candy aisle.
It doesn’t need to be a big shopping spree. It’s more about the freedom—the ability to browse aimlessly and grab whatever random things catch your eye (hey, that $3.99 candle is a necessity). The best part? No one will judge you for spending an extra 20 minutes in the dollar section. You’ve earned it, mama. Go on, enjoy those 15-30 minutes of bliss.
Pro Tip: If you can, leave the kids with your partner, family member or a friend. Go, be free, and walk at your own pace. No “Mom, can I have this?” questions. Just you, your cart, and the sweet satisfaction of knowing you get to decide what goes into it.
3. Order Takeout Like the Boss You Are
Look, you made it through another day of cooking, cleaning, and keeping tiny humans alive—and guess what? You don’t have to cook tonight. In fact, I’m giving you full permission to throw your apron in the air and just order takeout. No guilt. No shame. Just delicious food delivered right to your door or a solo silent drive to go and grab it.
Maybe it's pizza, maybe it’s sushi, maybe it’s that overpriced BBQ from that one place you love but can never justify spending money on. Tonight, the money doesn’t matter—what matters is that you’ve survived another week and you deserve a break. Take a seat, grab your favorite beverage, and enjoy that sweet, sweet moment where you don’t have to lift a finger to feed anyone.
Pro Tip: If you feel guilty, think of it this way: you’re investing in your own sanity. The money spent on takeout is far less than the emotional price of cooking a full meal after a long, chaotic day.
4. Celebrate with Dessert (And Don’t You Dare Share It)
We’ve all been there: you make or buy a beautiful dessert, and the second you sit down to enjoy it, someone asks, “Can I have a bite?” or if you have kids like mine, they just walk up when you turn your head and take the bite without warning. NO. You earned that dessert. You do not need to share it. This is your reward for surviving the day, and it’s time to enjoy every bite of it, guilt-free.
Order that slice of cheesecake, grab the tub of ice cream, or break open the bag of cookies you’ve been hiding. This isn’t about moderation; this is about indulgence. It’s about knowing that you’ve worked hard, and now you get to enjoy something that makes you feel like you’re winning at life.
Pro Tip: If you’re really feeling rebellious, have dessert first. No one’s going to stop you—you’re the boss of this reward, and it can happen in any order you want.
5. Take a 10-Minute "Victory Nap"
Now that we got a few food rewards out of the way, sometimes the best reward is simply rest. You’ve worked hard all day—whether you’re handling tantrums, work deadlines, or just trying to get everyone to put on pants—and you deserve to recharge. Take a 10-minute power nap to reset your brain and body. Set a timer, lie down, and just breathe.
If you’re someone who feels like a nap is a luxury you can’t afford, remind yourself that a short nap helps you perform better, feel more energized, and frankly, be a better mom. So, lie down, close your eyes, and let your body thank you for it.
Pro Tip: If you’re not quite the “napper,” at least try a few minutes of deep breathing or stretching. It’s a mini-reward for your body, and you’ll feel like a new person afterward.
You’re the hardest worker in the room—you deserve the damn reward. Listen, you don’t have to wait for big milestones or major successes to treat yourself. Motherhood is tough enough without adding guilt to the mix. Whether your reward is chocolate, a Target run, or a simple nap, you’ve earned it. So go ahead, give yourself that reward. You survived today—let’s celebrate that.
And remember: Treating yourself isn’t selfish. It’s a necessity for maintaining your sanity. Because when you feel recharged and appreciated (even by yourself), you’re better able to show up for your kids and your family in a way that feels thriving instead of just surviving.
6. Get Comfortable With Saying "I’m Doing My Best & That’s Enough"
Here’s the deal: Moms are so used to saying, “I’m fine,” or, “I’m just getting by,” or “It’s nothing.” STOP. The next time someone asks how you’re doing, own it. Say it loud and proud: “I’m doing well, actually! I handled X today and I’m feeling good about it.”
Saying it out loud might feel awkward at first, but here’s the thing—when you acknowledge your wins, you start to believe in not only them, but yourself even more. And when you start to believe in yourself, you’ll realize just how much you’re accomplishing every day and 1% better each day will bring you more satisfaction in your life as a whole.
And hey, if you’re reading this and thinking, “But I’m just so tired…” I hear you. I see you. Some days, your biggest win is just surviving, and that is enough. Motherhood doesn’t always look like perfect Pinterest boards or Instagrammable moments. Sometimes it’s messy buns, mismatched socks, and surviving off cold coffee. And that’s okay.
The truth is, you don’t need to have it all together to be a great mom. The fact that you’re showing up every single day, even when it feels impossible, means you’re already winning. So next time someone asks you about your big win, don’t downplay those small moments. Celebrate them, because you deserve it. And remember, you’re doing a heck of a job—even if the only thing you’ve accomplished today is finding 5 minutes of peace.
So mama’s, let’s recap how to actually celebrate all the wins, no matter how big or small they are:
The “High 5” Habit - Every time you accomplish something, no matter how small, give yourself a high five—literally. (Yes, you deserve it, even if it’s just surviving a tantrum at Target.)
Take 5-Minute “Victory Breaks” Like A Boss - Five minutes of doing something that makes you feel good can completely reset your brain. (And let’s be real, five minutes alone feels like a mini-vacation.)
Talk About It. Out Loud - You’re not boasting; you’re simply recognizing your own hard work. Tell your partner, your best friend, or even your dog! (They’re probably your biggest fans, anyway.)
Treat Yourself Like A Queen (At Least 10 Minutes Daily) - Give yourself small indulgences that make you feel like the queen you are. (A 10-minute bathroom retreat with skincare and some doom-scrolling? Yes, please.)
Reward Yourself - The beauty of a reward is that it gives you something to look forward to. (Whether it’s chocolate, wine, or a solo trip to Target—whatever makes you feel like you’re winning.)
Get Comfortable With Saying “I’m Doing My Best & That’s Enough” - Some days you’re going to feel like you’re barely holding it together, and that’s okay. You’re doing your best, and mama, that’s enough.
Now it’s your turn! Which tip are you going to try to celebrate your wins? Please let me know in the comments below or share your thoughts on social media—I’d love to hear how you’re celebrating ALL your wins!
If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out my other tips on self-everything for busy moms, or browse my full collection of motherhood hacks to make life a little easier! Thank you so much for reading and don’t forget to subscribe to my website to be the first to read my weekly blog!
If no one told you, you are an amazing mom and I see you doing your best, you wouldn’t be reading this blog if you weren’t and I am SO proud of you. Keep glowing mama, you got this!
With Love, Caitlin Nichols