Sometimes it's okay to give yourself a pat on the back and say

When Sebastian Stan shared the sentiment, “Sometimes it's okay to give yourself a pat on the back and say, 'That was cool. That made me feel good,’” he was acknowledging a deeply human truth: that it is important to recognize our own achievements, no matter how small, and to give ourselves credit for the work we put into the world. In a world that often demands constant striving and never seems to offer enough validation, Stan reminds us that self-recognition is not only acceptable but also necessary for our mental and emotional well-being. This simple act of affirming one's own accomplishments is a form of self-love and self-respect, which too often is overlooked in the quest for external approval.

The ancients, too, understood the value of recognizing one’s own efforts. In ancient Greece, the philosopher Aristotle wrote about the importance of self-reflection and virtue, explaining that to live a fulfilling life, one must first develop a sense of pride in their own actions. Aristotle argued that virtue lies not only in striving to achieve greatness but also in understanding the value of the steps taken to get there. This recognition of progress was not a form of arrogance, but a natural expression of an individual’s alignment with their inner purpose. Similarly, Stan's words echo this ancient wisdom—sometimes, it is important to pause and honor ourselves for the effort, for it is in such moments of acknowledgment that we grow and reaffirm our strength.

The example of Alexander the Great serves as a powerful reflection of this idea. Alexander, one of history's most renowned conquerors, understood that victories, while important, needed to be celebrated to fuel continued success. After each conquest, Alexander would take moments to recognize the immense effort that went into each campaign, understanding that the joy of accomplishment was essential for continued ambition. Even the greatest of warriors, like Alexander, needed moments to reflect, to say, “That was cool. I did that.” This practice of recognizing achievement is a tool for sustained greatness—it feeds the soul and provides the drive for what lies ahead.

Similarly, Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years imprisoned for his beliefs, demonstrated the importance of giving oneself credit for even the smallest triumphs. After his release, he did not immediately demand the ultimate victory of ending apartheid, but instead, he took time to reflect on the small victories—the moments of solidarity with his fellow prisoners, the quiet steps toward reconciliation. Mandela, in his quiet humility, recognized that personal growth and the peace of mind that comes with acknowledging one's accomplishments are essential for creating lasting change. It is in recognizing these moments that we gain the strength to continue the fight for a greater cause.

To give oneself a pat on the back, as Stan suggests, does not mean to become complacent or prideful but rather to honor the journey. It is a small act of self-compassion that says, “I am here, and I am enough.” In Buddhist philosophy, there is a teaching about loving-kindness, not only toward others but also toward oneself. Buddha taught that we must acknowledge and accept our own worth as a fundamental step in cultivating inner peace and compassion. This act of self-acknowledgment is the foundation for all other acts of love and compassion. Stan's words mirror this—sometimes, to progress, we must stop and affirm that we have made strides, no matter how small.

The lesson here is profound: to celebrate our own victories, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is to honor the journey we are on. Self-recognition is a form of self-respect. It reminds us that we are worthy of celebration, not just when we reach the peak, but throughout the process. This act of affirming our own efforts is not an act of ego, but one of self-care and self-compassion. To ignore these moments of personal victory is to deny ourselves the fuel necessary for future growth.

In your own life, take time to recognize your efforts. Whether in small achievements or larger successes, allow yourself the space to say, “That was cool.” Acknowledge that the journey is as important as the destination, and the effort is worthy of recognition. In doing so, you will find strength, clarity, and the drive to continue your path. Like the ancients, the great leaders, and the wise philosophers, practice honoring your own progress. Through this act of self-recognition, you will empower not only yourself but those around you, as you continue to grow and rise toward even greater heights.