After the Big Win

At some point in our lives we’ve all experienced a big win. Maybe it was tossing your graduation cap after earning your degree, landing a new job, or finally saving enough for that trip you’ve always dreamed about. These big wins are long-term goals that take real effort and dedication to achieve. Big wins are the milestones we work towards and make happen.

Now take a moment to reflect on your own big wins. Imagine a friend training for a marathon, running every day-rain or shine. Even on days when motivation was low, they laced up their shoes and pushed forward. What were the turning points in your life that you achieved something meaningful, basking in that deep sense of accomplishment? The moments that you said to yourself, “I did it!”

Try to remember your age and who you were at each big win. What did the world look like around you - what were the vibrant colours and dim lights that framed your journey? Transport yourself back to the moment that you committed to your goal and remind yourself why it mattered. Think back to the mindset you held and the steps you took along the way. 

Now consider the emotional journey of those big wins. How did you feel as you first set your sights on your goal and took those initial steps? What emotions surfaced as the finish line finally came into view?

Many of us feel great as we take the first step towards our goal. As hard as it is, we feel  inspired and with a sense of purpose. Although we may lose a little steam in the process, the moment when we finally get to the finish line is filled with joy and pride, we feel at the top of our game and on top of the world

But then…what happens to us after the big win?

We’ve all heard of a runners high, that rush we can get when we are working towards a goal. When we set our mind to something, the anticipation of our big win can promote dopamine, a neurotransmitter that produces good feelings and motivation. When we achieve our big win endorphins help us to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. 

But, have you also heard of the post marathon blues? Just like athletes who experience neurochemical withdrawal after a big race, we can experience a period of post-achievement blues leaving us feeling sad and melancholy. 

So, what can I do if this happens to me?

The first step is to observe and better understand your own emotional cycles. If you feel yourself experiencing a lul after your big win, connect with someone. Whether it's a counsellor or a friend, talking about our feelings, instead of bottling them up can help.

The second step is to shift your focus from the big win to the process itself. Take the time to recognize the steps you take and how you feel taking them along the way. Chunking the big win into a series of successful steps and continuing to focus forward after our wins can help us through. Shifting focus from the big win to the process, setting more than one goal, and setting a series of goals rather than big wins can help us to better understand, prepare for, and enjoy our big moments.

About the Author:

Alisa Farina is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), an EMDR trained therapist, and the Founder of Growing Minds Counselling and Consulting. She holds a MA in Counselling Psychology with Distinction, a BA in Child and Youth Care, and a diploma in special education. With over 30 years of experience in education, special education, youth work, non-profit work, and counselling, Alisa brings deep compassion, insight and real world understanding to her writing and her therapy sessions. 

Ready to book your first session? Visit www.growingmindcounselling.com today to book a complimentary consultation and get started.