Key Reasons to be Proud of Yourself on Your Journey

If you’re reading this, you have so much to be proud of. Whether it’s because you push yourself in barre classes, work hard to achieve things that matter to you, or you’re a good friend, neighbor, or colleague — there are so many things that make you amazingly you. But sometimes acknowledging progress and figuring out how to be proud of yourself takes a little work. It’s easy to get caught in a cycle of working toward something specific, only to get it done and move on to the next thing on your list. 

Today, we encourage you to take a moment to recognize how strong and accomplished you already are. To help you out, we’re sharing our favorite tips for being intentional about celebrating your strengths. We hope you’ll use them on the good days and the not-so-good days, because either way, it’s true: you have countless things to be proud of yourself for.

Why should I be proud of myself?

When you think about reasons to be proud of yourself, your achievements don’t necessarily need to be first on the list (as much as we love to see progress in the Bar Method studio!). While it’s important to take pride in visible, external accomplishments, self-love begins by taking pride in the person you are. Being proud of yourself for internal qualities is one way to feel positivity and gratitude, regardless of what’s happening in the ever-changing world around you. 

When you set the intention to be proud of yourself, here are a few more benefits you might notice along the way:

• Greater self-esteem 
• Motivation to do what matters to you
• Appreciation for what makes you unique

Positive shifts in mood or improved mental health

How to be proud of yourself and practice positivity

Sometimes a little extra support can go a long way, whether it’s from a friend or family member, or by practicing self-love. Need a little inspiration? Here are a few easy ways to reflect, boost your mood, and remind yourself why you’re proud to be you:

• Spend time journaling about the challenges you’ve already overcome
• Set new goals that excite you, and get started on step one 
• Look through photos of a favorite memory, trip, or place 
• Call a good friend and ask how they’re doing
• Take a Bar Method class and start tracking how many classes you attend

Why being proud of who you are happens at the barre

When you attend a Bar Method class, you have an opportunity to observe your own strength in action. Our classes are designed to challenge you (and get wow-worthy results). That’s why they’re known for “the shake” — a feeling you’ll notice when your muscles start to shake during thigh or seat work. This is a signal that your body is working hard at the muscular level and that you’re getting even stronger in real time.

While some workouts have ample rest time, the Bar Method challenges muscle endurance by holding poses for longer periods, which causes the shake. The more barre classes you take, the more natural this will feel. By putting in this work, the strength and endurance will pay off outside the studio, whether it’s by reaching a new personal best in another sport or being able to carry heavy things and help a friend move. And, you’ll have a few new things to be proud of yourself for in the process!

How barre can support your body and mental health

Barre is unique in that it’s a low-impact exercise. It’s accessible for all fitness goals and body types. You can be in the best shape of your life and looking for an extra challenge or brand new to the workout, and you’ll still get exactly what your body needs. This is because there’s always room to amplify the intensity to the level that works for you. With consistency, you’ll improve your bone density, muscle definition, stamina, and energy, and notice other perks — including benefits to mood, mental health, and quality of life.

5 things to be proud of yourself for already

If you need a few extra reasons to be proud of yourself, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’ve reached set goals and reached them (congrats!) or are aspiring to something new, know that each of these five things already make you successful in our book.

1. You inspire others.

At The Bar Method, classes are all about community, and we’re inspired by every person who shows up. You may not realize it, but you have inspired people around you, too. Whether someone is inspired by your commitment to your barre classes, your positivity, or ability to uplift others, these qualities are noticed. If you think back to the last time you were inspired, it was likely by someone within your circle. Keep being you, and be proud of the inspiration that you are — at the barre and in your daily life.

2. You care about what matters to you.

No matter what lights you up or motivates you, caring about these things is something to feel good about. Take a moment to reflect on what you care about most — most likely, there are things in different areas (activities, people, values, aspirations, career… this list goes on). Creating a life that includes the things that interest you isn’t always easy, and it’s certainly one of the reasons to be proud of yourself.

3. You show your body love and care.

Your body is AMAZING! Look at how far your body has taken you so far. Whether it is by visiting us at The Bar Method and treating your body to a low-impact, full-body workout, or by fueling your body with fresh, whole foods, you treat your body with love, and that is something to be proud of. In a world filled with self-comparison, take a moment to notice and honor your body instead — and support your mental health in the process.

4. You’ve survived all the challenges life has thrown at you.

It’s likely that you have been through tough times in your life where you’ve asked yourself, “How will I ever get through this?” But look where you are now! Your tenacity and positive spirit have helped you not only get through life’s difficult moments but turn them into learning lessons as well. Next time you find yourself in a challenging situation, remind yourself of your strength and be proud of how far you’ve come.

5. You are still growing- and there are so many good things ahead.

No matter how far you might feel you have to go, looking ahead is an opportunity to be open to the next best step, and to try something new or in a different way. You are the person you are because of the mistakes you have blossomed from in the past. You have grown and will continue to grow. Be proud of your growth and smile knowing you have so much more flourishing to do, and good days ahead that you know nothing about — just yet.

Being proud of who you are is a journey. Be gentle with yourself!

We hope these examples of something to be proud of have left you feeling full; full of pride, joy, and inspiration. Come back to this on the days when you’re thinking about how to be proud of yourself and could use a little extra positivity, or a quick reset on your internal dialogue. Every day brings a new opportunity to make one small decision that will make you feel proud. What will that decision be today?

Ready to feel even more amazing? Every science-backed barre class helps you become stronger, flexible, and more confident. Sign up for your next class now!