I've always been a person throughout my life who has celebrated whenever I have achieved something. This can include a very big achievement or a small one that I'm proud of nonetheless. I'm not talking about celebrating by going out to a fancy dinner or buying myself an expensive new top (although there are a time and place for that), but more just little things to express my happiness to myself, to show myself a little love for the hard work I do.
Many people now think we celebrate and congratulate too many things with children and it results in them expecting the world as they grow into adults. This may or may not overall be true, I just know in my situation that giving myself little celebrations has made me push harder and crave that taste of success even more. Sometimes life is hard, really hard, and I just like to give myself a bit of appreciation for any bit of success in my crazy life. Now, one must have limits as well and not go absolutely crazy. For instance, do not celebrate by binge-watching "The Office" for the twentieth time after you wrote one paragraph, that will just result in a very, very long night and a crappy paper. Maybe instead write two pages and then one episode?
Celebrating doesn't always have to be for yourself. I personally try to point out friends and family's achievements and give them a little bit of deserved celebration for their work. Aced your first test? I'm going to get you your favorite candy. Deliver that big presentation? Let's watch your favorite movie with some homemade nachos. Landed the job after that crazy interviewing process? That one deserves a nice dinner. Showing others that you see their achievements can mean the word and shows that you value them and their work and success, no matter how small.
I'm not saying that each time you do something other than absolutely nothing that you should celebrate and reward yourself. I'm just saying that life throws you for a loop sometimes and that results in a bit of a bumpy ride with quite a few obstacles. Getting through those deserves a bit of celebration, even if it's just a tiny happy dance with your dog and a night of watching "Parks and Recreation" with some hot tea (or wine). Don't beat yourself up all the time, you are doing great, just don't forget to show yourself that once and awhile with a bit of celebration.