Social media is where many of us share the various ups and downs of our lives. Our vacations, relationships, daring new hairstyles, weekend adventures, memorable meals, and so forth. But when it comes to sharing work wins, many women hesitate. In fact, 53 percent of women say they never celebrate their accomplishments online.
When we asked why, concerns about authenticity were a major reason for the hesitation, with many women noting it’s difficult to share wins without feeling boastful or performative. One respondent described social media as a “comparison trap,” where even positive news with good intentions can make others feel inadequate: “People just get jealous and feel bad about themselves. I don't want to contribute to that. I don't want to subject people to feeling like they have to respond a certain way or give me a specific answer.”
Valid. But just because you keep your accomplishments off social media doesn’t mean you shouldn’t celebrate them IRL (“in real life,” for those who aren’t chronically online). You can still make wins feel special and meaningful without the pressure of a perfect post. If you prefer to celebrate your successes in private, here are some creative ways to honor your hard work in a way that feels authentic to you.
Which work achievements are worth celebrating?
You should be celebrating any milestone, big or small, that gives you a sense of accomplishment. Not sure where to start? Here are some examples of wins you can honor, both on and offline:
Career milestones
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Getting a promotion or raise
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Landing a new job or switching to a better role
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Completing a major project or leading a successful campaign
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Being recognized as employee of the month
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Hitting a significant work anniversary at your company
Skill development
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Learning a new skill or earning a certification (like mastering a new software or completing a leadership course)
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Successfully completing a challenging training program
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Giving your first big presentation or public speech
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Mentoring a new team member and watching them thrive
Relationship wins
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Building a strong relationship with a mentor or industry leader
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Getting positive feedback from a client, manager, or coworker
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Helping a coworker overcome a challenge
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Strengthening team culture by leading a team-building activity
Creative achievements
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Publishing an article, report, or creative project
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Launching a new initiative or program at work
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Designing a new system, process, or product that improved team efficiency
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Being featured as a guest speaker on a panel or podcast
Personal growth
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Overcoming imposter syndrome in a challenging situation
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Setting and maintaining healthy work boundaries
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Taking your first mental health day without guilt
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Successfully advocating for yourself or negotiating your salary
15 special ways to romanticize your work wins
1. Collage a junk journal spread
If you’re feeling crafty, grab a journal and create a “win” spread—a colorful, collage-style page dedicated to your accomplishment. Use washi tape, stickers, magazine clippings, dried flowers, or any other materials you love. You can write a few sentences about what you achieved, how it made you feel, or why it matters. This is a creative way to capture your achievements and create a meaningful keepsake to look back on.
2. Host a cozy girls' night
Gather your closest friends for a themed night that's all about celebrating you. Think a ‘90s nostalgia party with scrunchies, board games, and a throwback playlist, or a charcuterie night where everyone brings their favorite snacks and you binge classic rom-coms. If you want something more laid-back, you can host a mini potluck, where each friend brings a comfort dish to share. Whatever theme you choose, it’s a chance to celebrate your success with the people who want the best for you.
3. Start a “win jar”
Save a jam or pickle jar (or any other cute container) and make it your personal “win jar.” Every time something great happens at work, jot it down on a small piece of paper and drop it in. Over time, you’ll have a collection of feel-good moments you can revisit whenever you need a confidence boost.
4. Send a "guess what?!" voice memo to your inner circle
Send a voice memo about your wins to your partner, family, or group text of best friends. Whether it’s a promotion, a killer presentation, or just making it through a tough week, let them shower you with excitement, heart emojis, and over-the-top gifs. Sometimes the best way to celebrate is simply hearing your favorite people hype you up.
5. Buy yourself flowers
Pick up a beautiful bouquet from your favorite florist, arrange one yourself from your garden, or grab a bunch during your next grocery run. For an extra touch, write yourself a little note of congratulations. It can be as simple as “You did it!” or a more heartfelt message of how far you’ve come. Display the flowers somewhere you’ll see them often as a bright reminder of your hard work and success.
6. Create a signature cocktail
Mix up your own celebratory drink, a “cheers to me” cocktail or mocktail that’s uniquely yours. Whether it’s a twist on a classic (Boss Bellini? Milestone Mule? Sunset Success Sour?) or a completely new creation, make it your go-to whenever you win at work. Every time you sip it, you’ll be toasting your achievements and setting a fun, personalized ritual.
7. Bake (or buy) your favorite dessert
What better way to celebrate a sweet victory than by enjoying your favorite sweet treat. Bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies, try a new cake recipe you’ve been eyeing, or skip the kitchen altogether and grab something decadent from a local bakery. No matter how you get your sugar fix, let each bite be a reminder to treat yourself.
8. Take a solo day trip
Turn your win into an excuse for a little getaway. Pack a bag and take yourself on a solo day trip to a charming nearby city or neighborhood you’ve been curious about. Explore a new coffee shop or brunch spot, wander through local boutiques, hike a new trail, or whatever else feels like a treat. Don’t forget to pause and appreciate how proud you are of yourself.
Read more: How to Staycation in This Economy
9. Learn something new in a class
Honor your win by signing up for a class you've always wanted to try. Master pasta-making or bread-baking in a cooking class, get creative with a beginner’s painting or pottery workshop, or unwind with a relaxing yin yoga session. Turning your success into a new experience can be a meaningful and memorable way to celebrate.
10. Host a celebratory PowerPoint night
Invite your friends over for a fun, low-stakes PowerPoint party where everyone gets to shine. Each person creates a short, playful presentation either celebrating their own recent wins or hyping up yours. They can share their proudest moments, recount funny stories, or create a mock “award ceremony” complete with silly, over-the-top slides and music. If you want to be the star of the show, ask everyone to focus their slides on your success, from funny superlatives to heartfelt shoutouts. It’s a fun, feel-good way for everyone to celebrate and laugh together.
11. Create a yearbook with all your wins from the year
Capture your achievements each year by designing a personal yearbook filled with your work wins. Use a digital tool like Canva for a professional and polished look, or go old-school with printed photos, ticket stubs, and handwritten notes. Each page can spotlight a different win—a successful project, a kind email from your boss, a major milestone—with captions that tell the story. At the end of the year, print a copy for yourself and share any extras with friends who’ve cheered you on along the way.
12. Write a letter to your future self
We love a reflective moment. Grab a pen and write a heartfelt letter to your future self. Start by celebrating your recent win, then look ahead and share your hopes, dreams, and goals for the next year. Seal it in an envelope (or save it digitally) and set a reminder to open it in six months or a year. When the time comes, you’ll have a personal reminder of how far you’ve come.
13. Decorate a mini trophy shelf
Turn a small shelf or corner of your desk into your personal “Hall of Fame.” Collect tiny trinkets, postcards, or souvenirs that represent each of your wins—a keychain from a conference where you crushed a presentation, a cute plant you bought after a promotion, or a mini framed photo of a proud moment. Over time, you’ll have a charming, visual reminder of everything you’ve achieved.
14. Send a care package to yourself
Order yourself a little treat (a bag of your favorite candy, a cozy mug, a face mask, or a book you’ve been wanting to read), and have it delivered to your doorstep. When it arrives, turn the unboxing into an event. Light a candle, put on some music, and unwrap it slowly like it’s your own personal gift basket. Take a moment to savor the gift, and let the treat remind you of the well-deserved happiness you’ve earned. If you’re in a silly, goofy mood, take a funny video of the unboxing like an influencer and send it to your close friends to share the moment.
15. Throw a “win reveal” party
Steal the drama of a gender reveal party and turn it into a celebration of your work win. Gather your friends and family and reveal your accomplishment with a fun surprise—a cake that has your achievement written on the top, balloons spelling “Promotion” or “New job,” or a glittery banner that says, “I did it!” Your success is a big deal—be over-the-top!
