Never stop growing. Never rest on your laurels. Be proud of past accomplishments, but understand that you’re forever a work in progress, and always be eager to continue refining yourself.
Don’t allow your static achievements to define you; “I won a national bodybuilding competition”, “I got the highest grade in my cohort”, “I earn the most out of my peer group”… they’re not solid foundations for self-worth.
Instead, be proud of the fortitude, dedication, creativity etc you possess, which manifested in such achievements. Circumstances can change as the wind blows, but mental faculties you’ve developed will remain a core part of your character. Learn from constructive criticism, but dismiss other forms.
Theodore Lee is the editor of Caveman Circus. He strives for self-improvement in all areas of his life, except his candy consumption, where he remains a champion gummy worm enthusiast. When not writing about mindfulness or living in integrity, you can find him hiding giant bags of sour patch kids under the bed.