A friend called me yesterday in the middle of the afternoon while I was busily working on a project. I ignored the call at first, before deciding it would be worth a few minutes break from the work to connect.
He was calling to share that he had just completed a small-but-challenging business milestone. “I was celebrating by myself,” he explained, “and then I realized it would be much better to share the celebration, so I thought I’d put it on your voicemail. I didn’t think you’d be able to answer in the middle of the work day.”
It was just a five minute conversation in total, and I am so, so glad I picked up the phone. My friend’s reach-out reminded me, once again, how important it is to celebrate… and how easy it is to miss, avoid or delay those moments of celebration. And given the serious challenges facing us all this holiday season, it seemed like a particularly useful reminder to pass along to all of you…
Celebrate!
Celebrate the small wins, the basic steps that carry you towards bigger goals, the everyday joys that make life so rich. Celebrate the people around you, and their small wins, or the ways they make your work/life better. Celebrate even when — especially when — the challenges seem overwhelming. Whatever we put our attention on gets magnified, so practice the muscle of putting your attention on whatever you can find to celebrate and be grateful for. Winter is rich with things to celebrate — the crisp chill of the air, the lights, the holidays, the re-setting of the calendar and the chance to reflect… Find your moments to celebrate, and savor them.
And, as my friend did, share them. Share them with your family, your team members, your customers, your friends…
I’d love to hear any large or small celebrations you’d like to share with me!
Cheers!
Zemo