How do I celebrate when I am always striving for more?
This is the conundrum faced by many a Type A workaholic perfectionist who works so hard and likely drives a hardworking, successful team. How do I really make space to celebrate? I mean really celebrate your successes, not just the token holiday party or dinner out for the team to mark the completion of a big project while you are consumed already by the next thing. This celebration shift is just as much about a state of mind as it is about what you actually do for yourself and your team to celebrate.
The first thing you need to do upon completing a project/speech/whatever it is you need to celebrate is a pause. Take a moment, not just to think about the success, but to actually let your body feel it.
Once you have done this, then plan a way to celebrate your success. I love watching my daughters’ sports teams. If a goal has been scored, the team goes nuts and jumps around with their hands up in the air. Imagine that at your workplace…even better if you work by yourself at home virtually!:)
Start to think about celebrations of value to you. Perhaps, a quiet latte (with whipped cream!) at Starbucks, a vacation, a spa appointment, or dinner out with loved ones. What about celebrating with your team? Know the parameters of your budget, etc. but start planning with your team about something fun and then make sure it happens soon.
In the corporate world, we tend to have a humble attitude and play down our successes. Sure, nobody likes a bragger. But what I am talking about is different than telling everyone how great you are. This is more about taking time to feel the fruits of your labour and then doing something to reward yourself and your team for a job well done. Don’t wait for your leader/Board to recognize you. They may be busy with other projects. It doesn’t mean they don’t notice your success, but it is up to you to take the reins of your own celebrations.
Why is it important to celebrate?
It builds up confidence. We tend to glaze over our successes and dwell on our failures. Taking the time to feel success, helps even the scale in our minds.
Celebrating is great for team bonding and recognition as well as high performance and retention in this volatile talent market.
Taking the time to feel your wins, helps build up your internal validation. If we are always seeking ‘that a gal/boy/them’ from others to feel successful, we are throwing our power of how we feel about ourselves away to others. When you build time for your own celebration, this increases your feelings of self-worth. Then it is nice to receive recognition from others, but it is not something you need to feel of value.
