A few weeks ago, my tennis team traveled to Tucson, Arizona, and did something that very few players ever get a chance to do – we won a U.S. Tennis Association National Championship. It was the pinnacle of a year-long journey that we dreamt of, hoped for and worked towards; and countless hours spent playing, practicing and getting tough.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, no doubt. And an accomplishment for which I am beyond proud.

So why do I feel so sad?

As it turns out, post-success let-down after a big achievement is extremely common. The culmination of anything that requires prolonged time, effort, and energy can bring it about – a big race, a wedding, a big project. The drop in brain chemicals (dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, oxytocin) can make you feel exhausted and depleted.

A period of recovery is necessary, yet achievers forget this so easily. We are groomed to be industrious and effective, but not to allow for recovery or transition.

So what can you do to get yourself through this recovery period? Here are four tips:

1. Recognize that emotional ups and downs are normal after something big. Even something positive can bring about sadness and fatigue.

2. Keep your schedule light. Don’t expect that you will have the energy to jump back into reality with verve.

3. Pamper yourself. You just achieved something great. Reward yourself. Focus on simple pleasures.

4. Work structure back in gradually. Take it in stages. Don’t take on a new project right away.

We all have such high aspirations that we often forget to be kind to ourselves. Achievement and success are wonderful things. But so is recovery. Allow yourself that. Always.

Every year in the month of May, I sort of lose my mind. The world spins at hyper-speed from all the commitments. Mother’s Day. My birthday. End of school. Wrapping up of activities. Onset of summer. First vacation. Send-off to summer camp. It’s nuts. Always.

But this May, it’s particularly nuts. We are selling a house. We are buying a house. There are big career things happening. Many good friends are dealing with serious health situations in their families. I am, of course, feeling the stress of such weighty life events.

But also, I am feeling surprisingly clear-headed. And what I have come to realize in my ever-advancing years, is that the key to this clarity is acceptance.

Acceptance is defined as the action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered. Let me say that again. Acceptance is defined as the action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered. And that’s the important part. Every situation, good or bad, is an offering – an offer of growth. An offer of clarity. An offer of understanding.

There are 5 absolutes of acceptance:

1. Acceptance of self. Yes. You must. The good, the bad, and the crazy. You are you and that is awesome.
2. Acceptance of others. Flip the coin. Everyone deserves this.
3. Acceptance of situations for what they are. Open your eyes and take a look around. This is your reality. What are you going to do about it?
4. Acceptance of change. Life is fluid. Let go a little, nothing is forever and that is ok. See what’s around the next corner. Breathe.
5. Acceptance of failure. Let’s call a spade a spade. So you failed. So what? Course correct and know better next time.
6. Acceptance of success. That’s right. I said success. You’ve earned it so enjoy it, feel proud of it, and stop worrying about losing it.

All we have is the world in which we live, so accept that world and find peace in it.

“Of course there is no formula for success except, perhaps, an unconditional acceptance of life and what it brings.” ~Arthur Rubinstein

True that, Mr. Rubinstein. True that.