“The Art of Celebrating Wins: Why Supporting Others Benefits Everyone”

After the recent conclusion of a popular reality show in Nigeria, I browsed through Elon’s “X” app, and the trending topics immediately caught my attention. What stood out to me was not so much the reasons given for the victory of the Gen Z baddie but rather the comparisons and underestimations. Fans of some of the other contestants took to the internet, sharing screenshots of past years’ finale results that highlighted the winning margin between the winner and the runners-up. They compared this historical data with the recent winner, whose winning margin was only about 9 percent. Their comments ranged from, “Our fave is the ultimate winner; the margin clearly shows they deserved the victory,” to “Our fave stands in a league of their own.”

In the subsequent days, these discussions turned critical, with remarks like ” she lacks star power” and “she lacks presence.” I couldn’t help but notice that this phenomenon mirrors our daily lives, where people struggle to celebrate others’ successes that don’t align with their preferences. For instance, when someone gets married, there are comments like, “The bride or groom isn’t that attractive,” or when someone secures a job, people may say, “They settled for a lower position just for the money” or “That company isn’t as great as it seems,” or even “He doesn’t possess the leadership skills required.” But who are we to pass judgment on everyone else’s victories? In Nigerian pidgin parlance, we say, “She win, abi she no win?”[meaning, did she win? Yes, she did…so what’s your point?, get over it!]

This reluctance to celebrate others’ achievements reflects a deeper issue in our society—our tendency to let personal biases overshadow others’ successes. We should be more open to genuinely appreciating and applauding others, recognizing that each person’s journey is unique and their achievements should be celebrated. Let’s focus on spreading positivity and support to create a more encouraging and compassionate society. In a competitive world, celebrating the wins of others has benefits that positively impact personal relationships, workplaces, and society.

In this article, we’ll explore the profound benefits of celebrating the wins of others and why it’s a practice we should all embrace.

1. Fosters Positive Relationships: When we celebrate the successes of our friends, family, and colleagues, it creates an environment of trust and support. Genuine celebration can strengthen relationships by demonstrating that we are invested in each other’s happiness and well-being. This positive reinforcement builds bonds that are essential for a healthy and thriving community.

2. Motivates and Inspires: Celebrating the wins of others can be a powerful source of inspiration and motivation. When we see our peers achieving their goals and dreams, it ignites our own ambitions and encourages us to push our limits. This shared inspiration creates a cycle of growth and progress, benefiting everyone involved. I am sure you agree with this!

3. Creates a Culture of Success: In workplaces and organizations, a culture of celebrating others’ wins can lead to a more successful and productive environment. When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to go the extra mile and contribute to the organization’s success. A culture that encourages celebration and recognition becomes a breeding ground for innovation and excellence.

4. Reduces Envy and Jealousy: Human nature sometimes leads to feelings of envy or jealousy when others succeed. However, actively celebrating the wins of others helps to combat these negative emotions. When we genuinely congratulate others on their accomplishments, we shift our focus from envy to appreciation, thereby fostering a more positive and harmonious atmosphere.

5. Enhances Self-Esteem: Ironically, celebrating the successes of others can boost our own self-esteem. When we engage in this practice, we cultivate a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity. We recognize that there is enough success to go around, which allows us to feel more confident in our own abilities and potential for success. This is where we say, if God has blessed your neighbor then it means God is in the neighborhood!

6. Strengthens Empathy: Empathy is a fundamental trait that connects us to the emotions and experiences of others. Celebrating the wins of others enhances our capacity for empathy, as it requires us to put ourselves in their shoes and understand their journey. This, in turn, makes us more compassionate and empathetic individuals.

7. Promotes a Sense of Belonging: By celebrating the achievements of others, we contribute to a sense of belonging and community. We are part of a larger network of people who support and uplift each other. This feeling of belonging can bring immense comfort and happiness to our lives.

8. Reinforces Positive Values: Celebrating the successes of others reinforces positive values like kindness, generosity, and humility. These values are the building blocks of a compassionate and successful society, and when we embody them, we contribute to a more harmonious world.

Conclusion

In a world that often places immense emphasis on individual achievements, the practice of celebrating the wins of others is a powerful and transformative force. It creates a ripple effect of positivity, building stronger relationships, inspiring greatness, and fostering a more compassionate society. So, let us all embrace the art of celebrating others, for in doing so, we enrich our own lives and contribute to a world where success is shared, valued, and celebrated by all.

With these few points of mine, I hope I have been able to convince you {and not confuse you} that it’s not cool to belittle others’ achievements, and it’s worth remembering that we often attract what we choose to celebrate. Ponder upon these thoughts.

Have you ever felt undervalued after a win or been tempted to downplay someone’s success? Join the conversation and share your thoughts on celebrating others