This is the fourth post in a series of using your internalGPS to navigate to your big destinations:
- Where are you now? Current location – Dec. 20
- What are your irresistible destinations? – Dec. 27
- How do you overcome obstacles – Jan. 3
- Celebrating progress and success – Today
Small Steps
“Do not fear going forward slowly; fear only to stand still.” – Chinese proverb
You and your team will stay motivated and inspired to keep going if you take a moment to celebrate the small steps on your journey. Keep an open mind about what a celebration looks like. Possibly an extra five minutes in the hot shower to celebrate that you got up and exercised instead of staying under the warm covers. Or buying coffee for a colleague after you both finished a report for your boss. The key is to take some time and enjoy the completion or the step toward your bigger destination. It is so easy to just move on and keep driving forward to the next task. This is something that I continue to work on and find easier to coach others on than always do myself. I have noticed that when I do stop to enjoy the accomplishment then I am more motivated and inspired to do more.
Success!
Once you are in the practice of celebrating the small steps then it is easy to do the same when you reach your big destination. It does not have to be a big elaborate party (although fun if you have the budget). It might be a special gathering of your team with rewards given to team members that evoke humor along with acknowledgement. Ketchup and a certificate of “Blood, Sweat, & Tears” was given in one my prior organizations.
Keep in mind that you are always on a journey and avoid the, “I’ll be happy when…” syndrome by enjoying the ride.
What have you done to celebrate progress or success? Please share in a comment.
photo credit: Lauren Manning via Flickr creative commons