Accomplishment: Why Small Achievements Make a Big Difference
- Claire
- Jun 3
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 4
A = Accomplishment in our series exploring the pillars that help people to flourish. Our approach draws on the PERMA model developed by Professor Martin Seligman, a leading psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania and former President of the American Psychological Association.
Introduction
Many of us associate accomplishment with major milestones. We think about passing exams, career successes, sporting achievements or significant life events.
However, accomplishment is not reserved for the extraordinary.
In reality, some of the most meaningful achievements are the small victories that help us move forward every day.
Within Martin Seligman's PERMA model of wellbeing, Accomplishment is one of the five pillars that help people flourish. It refers to our desire to achieve goals, make progress and experience a sense of competence and success.
That need does not disappear as we grow older. In fact, maintaining opportunities for accomplishment can become even more important in later life.
At Thrive Homecare, we believe wellbeing is not just about helping people maintain their independence. It is also about helping people continue to grow, achieve and experience the satisfaction that comes from making progress towards something that matters to them. Because no matter our age, we all want to feel capable, valued and proud of what we can achieve.
What Is Accomplishment?
Accomplishment is about more than ticking items off a list. It is the feeling that comes from setting a goal, overcoming a challenge or making progress towards something important.
Sometimes the goal is large. Often it is small. What matters is not the size of the achievement, but the meaning it holds for the individual.
Psychologist Martin Seligman included accomplishment as one of the core pillars of wellbeing because people gain satisfaction from striving, growing and achieving.
Achievement helps us feel competent. It builds confidence. It reinforces our belief that we can influence our own lives. Whether it is learning a new skill, rebuilding confidence after illness or simply completing a task that once felt difficult, accomplishment reminds us that we are still capable of growth.
Why Accomplishment Matters
Most people enjoy the feeling of achieving something. There is a sense of satisfaction that comes from seeing progress and knowing that our efforts have made a difference.
Research by psychologist Albert Bandura highlighted the importance of what he called self-efficacy, our belief in our ability to achieve goals and overcome challenges.
When people experience success, their confidence often grows.
This increased confidence can encourage them to take on new challenges and remain engaged with life.
Accomplishment can help people:
Build confidence
Maintain motivation
Increase independence
Develop resilience
Improve self-esteem
Strengthen a sense of purpose
Enhance overall wellbeing
Importantly, accomplishment is not about competing with others.
It is about recognising personal progress and celebrating individual achievements.
Why Accomplishment Can Become More Challenging in Later Life
As we age, opportunities for achievement can sometimes become less obvious.
Retirement may bring an end to a career that provided regular goals and a sense of achievement. Health conditions may make certain activities more difficult. Sometimes society unintentionally sends the message that achievement belongs to younger people. Yet nothing could be further from the truth.
People continue to grow, learn and accomplish new things throughout their lives.
The nature of those accomplishments may change, but the importance of achievement remains the same. A person recovering from illness may feel an enormous sense of pride after walking to the end of the garden. Someone living with dementia may feel a sense of achievement by participating in a social activity.
A person who has lost confidence after a fall may celebrate attending a social group again. These achievements matter. They deserve recognition.
Redefining Success
One of the most important aspects of accomplishment in later life is recognising that success looks different for different people. The goal is not to compare achievements.
The goal is to recognise progress. At Thrive Homecare, we often see how small achievements create a ripple effect. A person achieves one thing. Their confidence grows. They become willing to try something else. Gradually, their world begins to expand. This is why celebrating progress is so important.
Even the smallest achievement can become the foundation for something bigger.
What Does Accomplishment Look Like?
Accomplishment can take many forms.
Maintaining Independence
Being able to continue doing things independently can provide a strong sense of achievement. Whether it is preparing a meal, managing a daily routine or attending an appointment, maintaining independence often contributes significantly to wellbeing.
Learning or Trying Something New
Learning is not limited to school or work. Many older people enjoy learning new technology, exploring new hobbies or developing skills they never had time to pursue earlier in life.
Building Confidence After Setbacks
Illness, injury or bereavement can affect confidence. Rebuilding confidence and taking positive steps forward is a significant accomplishment that deserves recognition.
Completing Personal Goals
Goals can be practical, social, creative or personal.
Attending a community group.
Finishing a knitting project.
Growing vegetables.
Researching a family tree.
Every achievement has value.
Helping Others
Many people gain a sense of accomplishment through contributing to the lives of others. Sharing knowledge, supporting family members or simply offering kindness can create a powerful sense of purpose and achievement.
How Thrive Supports Accomplishment
At Thrive Homecare, we believe support should focus not only on needs but also on aspirations. Every person has goals, interests and things they would like to achieve. It might be a daily goal, or something more long term. Our role is to understand what matters to each individual and help create opportunities for progress.
We take time to ask:
What would you like to do more of?
What would make you feel proud?
Is there something you would like to achieve?
What has been important to you throughout your life?
By understanding these aspirations, we can help people continue moving towards goals that are meaningful to them.
A Real Example
Valerie is a very active and social lady, she loves to get out, see people and places. Her main goal was to go on holiday again. So, we helped Valerie achieve this, she got a choice of destinations, we arranged for a carer to accompany her, helped her to pack and ensured she had everything she needed for her holiday.
Every activity and milestone is documented in a scrapbook, so she can see and celebrate everything she had accomplished. Supporting Valerie to achieve her travel goals and capturing them visually reinforced her sense of accomplishment, boosted her confidence, and created a tangible record of meaningful achievements she could cherish and reflect on.
Supporting Accomplishment as a Family
Families can play an important role in helping older relatives experience a sense of achievement. One of the most valuable things we can do is focus on what people can do, rather than only on what they need help with.
You might:
Encourage personal goals
Celebrate progress
Support hobbies and interests
Recognise achievements, however small
Offer opportunities to learn new skills
Build confidence through encouragement
Focus on strengths and abilities
Living Life In Colour
At Thrive Homecare, we believe people should continue to have opportunities to pursue goals, celebrate progress and feel proud of their achievements, regardless of age or circumstance. Because when people are still able to achieve, life remains full of possibility.
Explore the rest of the PERMA(H) pillars:
If you would like to learn more about our companionship, visiting care, live-in care or dementia support services, contact us today for a no obligation chat.
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