The small wins in life like finding cash in an old wallet are the best (Image: Getty)
A smile from a good-looking stranger, being cooked for and nabbing the perfect parking spot are just three of the ways ‘small wins’ brighten a Britons’ day.
But top of the list (62 per cent) in unexpected joys that can leave you beaming is that moment when you stumble across cash in an old purse or wallet.
New research shows the nation finds happiness in a whole range of everyday pleasures including good hair days (40 per cent) and choosing the fastest supermarket checkout queue (32 per cent).
The study by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar reveals we are increasingly finding joy in up to 15 everyday “small wins” every week.
And a surprising 27 per cent of us prioritise celebrating these moments over major milestones like having a baby or buying a house.
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The study, which polled 2,000 people, found most Britons (77 percent) believe it’s the little things that make them smile.
From finally tackling that nagging chore (53 percent) to receiving an unexpected pay boost (45 percent), these small victories are adding up to big moments of joy.
Other popular wins include unexpected sun during a walk (41 percent) being given the afternoon off (31 per cent) or seeing your suitcase first on the baggage carousel (27 per cent).
Over half of the nation admits to celebrating their small win by telling others (52 percent), with a quarter saying they do a celebratory dance (27 percent) or have a refreshing drink on the sofa (21 percent).
For half of respondents, it all helps keep them motivated (61 percent) and boosts their mood and confidence (48 percent).
While more than three quarters (78 percent) of all respondents believe small wins become more important in adult life, it’s the 18-29 age group who feel their impact most keenly, averaging 18.4 little wins a week.
TV personality and presenter Sam Thompson says of the findings: “I always start my day saying it’s going to be a good one, but it’s the small wins that make it good!
“I was surprised how many wins I actually noticed when I started to look out for them – from nailing a tricky , to just catching up with my sister. Celebrating those little moments together makes them even better.”
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Life coach Selina Barker adds: “In our fast-paced world, it can be easy to overlook the small wins and keep chasing after the next big thing.”
“Shifting our focus to spot and celebrate the small daily wins in life – by enjoying a favourite drink, dancing in the kitchen, or high-fiving a loved one – can make a real difference.
“Flexing that ‘celebration’ muscle every day helps boost our mood, confidence and motivates us to go after our goals and dreams.
“At first, shifting your mindset to notice these moments might feel tricky, but once you do, you’ll be surprised at how naturally you start to recognize and celebrate them. And how much you enjoy it!”
Emma George, marketing manager for Coca-Cola, added: “It’s important to celebrate life’s little wins and special moments.”
Britain’s Top 15 ‘Small Wins’
1 – 62% – Finding cash in an old wallet / purse
2 – 53% – Finally getting round to doing a chore you’ve been putting off
3 – 45% – Getting paid more than you thought
4 – 42% – Being cooked for
5 – 41% – The sun coming out during a walk
6 – 40% – A good hair day
7 – 38% – Finding a parking space right away
8 – 32% – Choosing the fastest queue at the supermarket
9 – 31% – Your boss saying, “take the afternoon off”
10 – 31% – Getting a tax rebate
11 – 28% – An attractive stranger smiling at you
12 – 28% – Finishing work before a two-week holiday
13 – 27% – When your baggage arrives quickly at baggage reclaim
14 – 26% – Your takeaway arriving quickly and piping hot
15 – 26% – Being late and hitting every green light