How to Find More Wins in Your Life

How my guest room compares to your mental health.

It’s easy to feel like you’re failing when you have bipolar disorder. Most days, it seems like you’re in a never ending game of King of the Hill. Mental illness is the overgrown bully at the top laughing at you as you tumble back down. The torment rarely takes a break.

Trust me, I know how that feels. Bipolar has been beating me up for decades, and I’m sure my fight will go on for some time yet.

But here’s the thing: there are wins all around us. We just have to look for them.

“My theory on momentum is that the best way to produce it is through small, hard-fought victories that lead to bigger battles and bigger wins. Winning builds momentum.”

— Shaun King

The Easter Dungeon

I have a tiny guest room my friends call the Easter Dungeon. The room is in my basement and has bright yellow cinderblock walls and a Pepto Bismol pink painted floor.

I say it’s a guest room, but it’s become more of a junk room. My brother is the only person to use the room in the last three years. There’s a brand new foam mattress on the bed still in the plastic.

The only time I ever go in the Easter Dungeon is to discard another item. I started by using the closet for items I didn’t use but wasn’t ready to get rid of. When the closet got full, the entire room became a closet.

Now, I’m embarrassed to even look in there.

Every time I have a day or two off from work, I promise myself I’ll tackle the dungeon, organize, and empty it. Then the day comes, I walk in the room and flip on the overhead light. As I glance around the room, the mess is so overwhelming, I turn around, walk out, and close the door.

Your Mental Health Is Your Easter Dungeon

The steps for caring for your mental health are a lot like my junk room. The enormity of everything that needs to be done can make you feel incapable of doing anything. So what do you do?

Here’s a little secret: momentum is everything.

The best way to create momentum is through small, hard-fought victories. Winning builds momentum, and that inertia will carry you through the terrible times.

How do we find these minor victories? Keep reading, and I’ll show you.

4 Ways to Find the Wins

1. Look for the positives in your day-to-day life

Even on our worst days, there are things to be thankful for. Maybe you had a good cup of coffee in the morning, or you finally finished a project you’ve been procrastinating on. Whatever it is, take a moment to appreciate the small wins.

2. Acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how big or small

Did you get out of bed today? That’s worth celebrating! Seriously, pat yourself on the back for every victory, no matter how tiny it may seem. Once you start doing this, you’ll be surprised at how many accomplishments you have under your belt.

3. Set goals for yourself and strive to accomplish them

It doesn’t matter if your goal is big or small. What matters is that you set a goal and achieve it. Meeting goals gives you a sense of accomplishment and purpose, which are both essential for maintaining your mental health.

4. Help others whenever you can

One of the best ways to feel good about yourself is to help others. Whether it’s lending a listening ear or performing a random act of kindness, find a way to be kind. Giving back will not only make someone else’s day, but it will also make yours brighter.

Building Momentum

I’m going to tackle my Easter Dungeon over the next few weeks. Rather than doing it all in one day, I will pull one thing out of the room every day and either find a new home for it or toss it in the dumpster. Then, I will celebrate every tiny victory and tackle another item the next day.

Remember, winning builds momentum. The more wins we rack up, the more power we create — and that energy will carry us through the tough times. Try not to be discouraged if you don’t win every battle. Just keep fighting and eventually, you’ll find yourself on top again.

Write About Momentum

Use these prompts to write about the power of momentum.

Journal Prompt: What’s your Easter Dungeon, the thing that needs your attention, but you keep putting it off? What small step can you take today toward getting it done?

Creative Writing Prompt: I know your mind is running wild with my guest room having bright yellow walls and a pink floor, so now you get to create a story about it. Your character is locked in the dungeon. How did they end up there? Do they get out? And why is it decorated in such a strange way? I’d love to see your work based on this one.

Until next time, keep fighting.

Sign up for my FREE Sunday All Things Bipolar Newsletter (off-site link) and I’ll send you a few downloadable gifts to improve your life.