Everyday Boss Moves: Celebrating the Small Wins That Make You Feel Like a CEO
Sunday, September 1, 2024.
Picture this: You pull into a crowded parking lot, and against all odds, you spot it—a prime parking spot, right up front, just waiting for you. You glide in with precision, step out of your car, and for a brief moment, you feel like the CEO of parking.
Congratulations, my friend, you’ve just made an “Everyday Boss Move.”
But what exactly are these everyday boss moves, and why do they make us feel so darn powerful?
Let’s dive into the psychology behind these small yet mighty victories, explore how mindfulness plays a role, and see how celebrating these moments can turn a regular day into a winning streak.
What Are Everyday Boss Moves?
“Everyday Boss Moves” are those small actions that, while seemingly insignificant, make you feel like you’ve just won at life. They’re the kind of moments that might not earn you a promotion or a trophy, but they give you a sweet sense of accomplishment nonetheless.
Think about:
Turning off your alarm just before it rings.
Guessing the exact amount of leftovers to fill your container.
Dodging a puddle without breaking stride.
These moves don’t require superhuman strength or genius-level intellect; they’re rooted in the everyday stuff we all do. But what makes them feel so satisfying? It’s all about mindfulness and recognizing the power of small wins.
The Power of Small Wins
In the grand scheme of life, it’s easy to get caught up in the big picture—career goals, relationship milestones, financial stability. But research shows that paying attention to small wins can have a profound impact on our overall sense of well-being (Amabile & Kramer, 2011).
These small victories, like nailing that parking spot or perfectly predicting the microwave beep, give us a quick hit of dopamine, the brain’s feel-good chemical.
This concept of small wins isn’t just fluff; it’s backed by psychological research. In a study by Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer (2011), they found that even minor accomplishments can boost our motivation and happiness. These little moments remind us that we’re capable, in control, and yes, a bit of a boss in our own right.
Mindfulness and Boss Moves: The Perfect Pairing
So, how do we turn everyday moments into boss moves? The secret ingredient is mindfulness.
Mindfulness is all about being fully present in the moment, paying attention to what’s happening around you without judgment (Kabat-Zinn, 1994). When you’re mindful, you’re more likely to notice and appreciate those small victories as they happen.
For example, let’s say you manage to avoid spilling your coffee while navigating a crowded hallway.
Instead of shrugging it off, a mindful approach would have you savor that moment, acknowledging it as a little win. By being present and aware, you’re more likely to string together these small wins throughout your day, boosting your overall sense of achievement.
Mindfulness doesn’t just help you notice these moments; it also helps you create them.
When you’re fully engaged in what you’re doing, whether it’s parking your car or organizing your workspace, you’re more likely to perform these tasks with precision and skill. Over time, these mindful moments accumulate, turning you into the CEO of your own life, one small victory at a time.
The Mental Discipline Behind Everyday Boss Moves
Just like with “petty superpowers,” the ability to make everyday boss moves isn’t purely accidental—it’s about practice and mental discipline. When you focus on being mindful and paying attention to the small details, you start to build habits that lead to these little victories.
For instance, knowing exactly when to hit the snooze button without oversleeping isn’t just luck; it’s the result of consistently paying attention to your sleep patterns and internal clock. Over time, these habits become second nature, allowing you to make boss moves effortlessly.
Final thoughts
In a world that often emphasizes big achievements, it’s important to remember that the small wins count, too.
Everyday boss moves remind us that we have agency and control over our lives, even in the tiniest of moments. By practicing mindfulness and staying present, we can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, one boss move at a time.
So, the next time you catch your toast at the perfect shade of golden brown, or you manage to avoid all the traffic lights on your commute, take a moment to acknowledge your inner CEO. These little victories aren’t just trivial—they’re the building blocks of an ongoing life well-lived.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Amabile, T. M., & Kramer, S. J. (2011). The Progress Principle: Using Small Wins to Ignite Joy, Engagement, and Creativity at Work. Harvard Business Review Press.
Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life. Hyperion.
Killeen, P. R. (1994). Mathematical principles of reinforcement. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 17(1), 105-172.