If you can stick to these 7 daily behaviors, psychology says you’ll always feel more accomplished

Being productive isn’t just about crossing things off your to-do list. It’s about feeling accomplished and satisfied at the end of the day.

This sense of achievement doesn’t come from random actions, but from consistent daily behaviors.

Psychology backs this up, claiming that there are seven specific behaviors that can send your accomplishment levels skyrocketing.

If you can commit to these daily, you’ll likely end each day feeling more accomplished.

In this piece, I’m going to delve into these seven behaviors.

They aren’t complex or time-consuming but simple everyday actions that can make a world of difference.

For anyone looking to improve their daily productivity and feel a sense of accomplishment, this article is for you.

Let’s get started on making your days feel more rewarding.

1) Begin with an intention

Starting your day with a clear goal or intention is a critical behavior for feeling accomplished.

Many successful individuals swear by this habit. It sets the tone for the day, giving us a purpose and a direction to steer our actions towards.

Consider the words of renowned psychologist William James, who said, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.”

Keeping this in mind, when you wake up each morning, take a moment to set an intention for the day.

This could be anything from completing a specific task to embracing a positive mindset.

It gives you a benchmark to measure your day against and makes it easier to feel accomplished at the end of the day.

Remember, it’s not just about getting tasks done but about shaping your day in line with your attitudes and intentions.

This simple act can be transformative, giving your actions purpose and driving a sense of achievement.

2) Break down big tasks

Another behavior that’s been a game-changer for me is breaking down big tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.

This simple shift in approach can make a world of difference in how we perceive and tackle our workload.

Large tasks can often feel overwhelming and insurmountable. However, when broken down into smaller parts, they suddenly become a lot more achievable.

I remember working on a report that initially seemed like a mountain of work. Instead of tackling it head-on, I broke it down into smaller sections.

As I completed each section, I felt a sense of accomplishment that fueled my momentum to continue.

By the end of the day, not only had I completed the report, but I also felt incredibly accomplished.

Psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.”

This quote rings true in this context. By dissecting large tasks into a series of smaller actions, we’re focusing on the process and direction rather than being daunted by the end goal.

This approach can significantly boost our feelings of daily accomplishment.

3) Embrace imperfection

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a loop of perfectionism, where nothing ever feels good enough?

I’ve been there, and it’s a tough place to be. Striving for perfection can often leave us feeling perpetually unaccomplished.

Why? Because perfection is unattainable.

It’s essential to understand that mistakes, failures, and imperfections are part of the process. They’re not roadblocks to your accomplishment; instead, they’re stepping stones.

Let’s recall the words of famous psychologist Carl Jung, “The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.”

It’s terrifying because it involves accepting our imperfections and shortcomings too.

Embracing imperfection doesn’t mean settling for less.

It means acknowledging that we’re works in progress and that every step forward, no matter how small or imperfect, is an accomplishment in itself.

It’s about being kind to ourselves and celebrating progress over perfection.

When we start seeing our efforts in this light, we begin to feel more accomplished each day, not because we’re perfect but because we’re progressing.

4) Practice mindfulness

Paying attention to the present moment, or practicing mindfulness, is another behavior that can make you feel more accomplished.

Sounds simple, right? But in our fast-paced world filled with countless distractions, staying present can be a real challenge.

A study found that individuals who practiced mindfulness felt more satisfied with their lives and experienced less negative emotion.

They were better equipped to savor the good moments and cope with the bad ones.

Mindfulness allows us to be fully engaged in what we’re doing at a given moment. It makes us more aware of our actions, thoughts, and feelings.

When we’re mindful, we’re less likely to get caught up in worries about the future or regrets over the past.

We’re more focused on our current actions and their immediate outcomes.

This focus can make each task, no matter how small, feel like an accomplishment.

It’s about valuing the journey as much as the destination and finding satisfaction in the process rather than just the outcome.

Practicing mindfulness might not always be easy, but it’s certainly worth it for the increased sense of accomplishment it brings.

5) Celebrate small wins

When was the last time you celebrated a small win? It’s easy to overlook these in our quest for larger achievements.

But, in my experience, recognizing and celebrating small victories can make us feel more accomplished on a daily basis.

I’ve found that acknowledging even minor progress boosts my motivation and morale.

It’s as if each small win is a stepping stone towards the grand goal, making the journey more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Whether it’s ticking off a task from your to-do list, sticking to your workout routine, or simply resisting a negative habit, every win counts.

Make it a point to acknowledge these moments and give yourself a pat on the back.

Celebrating small wins adds up to a sense of accomplishment, making our days feel more rewarding and our goals seem within reach.

6) Take regular breaks

Here’s a behavior that might sound counterintuitive: taking regular breaks.

You might think that non-stop work would lead to more accomplishments, but psychology suggests otherwise.

Research indicates that our brains are not designed to focus on one thing for extended periods.

Instead, they function best with regular breaks that allow them to recharge and refocus.

Soren Kierkegaard once said, “One must not think ill of the paradox, for the paradox is the passion of thought.”

In the spirit of embracing paradoxes, consider this: to accomplish more, sometimes you need to do less.

Taking brief breaks during your workday can refresh your mind, improve your focus, and increase productivity.

This can make you more efficient in your tasks and lead to a greater sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.

Don’t feel guilty about taking that coffee break or stepping outside for a breath of fresh air. It might just be the key to feeling more accomplished.

7) Practice gratitude

Finally, practicing gratitude can significantly boost your feelings of accomplishment.

Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s missing in our lives to appreciating what we have.

This shift can make us feel more content and accomplished.

As renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow said, “The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.”

And what better way to be in the present than to appreciate and be thankful for it?

So, take a few moments each day to reflect on your accomplishments, big or small, and express gratitude for them. It’s a simple behavior that can make each day feel more rewarding.

Final reflections

The journey towards feeling more accomplished is personal and subjective. It’s a path that intertwines with our unique psychology and behaviors.

These seven daily behaviors, grounded in psychological insights, offer a roadmap to feeling more accomplished each day.

They are simple yet effective steps that can transform our perception of accomplishment, shifting it from a distant goal to a daily experience.

Whether it’s setting an intention, breaking down large tasks, embracing imperfection, practicing mindfulness, celebrating small wins, taking regular breaks, or practicing gratitude – each of these behaviors has the potential to enhance our sense of achievement.

As we weave these habits into our daily routines, we must remember that the journey is as important as the destination.

Every step forward, no matter how small, is a testament to our progress.

Feeling accomplished isn’t just about ticking off boxes but about embracing the journey, valuing our efforts, and finding joy in progress.

As we navigate this journey, let’s remember to be kind to ourselves and acknowledge our strides along the way.

Here’s to feeling more accomplished every day.