Do Not Forget To Celebrate The Victories Both Large And Small

We all spend an enormous amount of time on our business issues, our challenges, our problems and our failures, as well we should. We are always striving for increased revenue, greater profitability and a smoother, more controlled operation. Of course, that’s what a business owner is supposed to do we all say, that’s our job to focus on the problems, challenges and issues and drive our organization to greater success.

I agree, this is important work and should consume much of our work time.

However, we must also always remember to celebrate the successes we achieve, little ones as well as larger ones. We must remember that our work is not a punishment we receive for something we did wrong, but an honorable war we choose to wage. In fact, to have the amazing opportunity of being able to open a business and pursue our dreams is a blessing we should appreciate and give thanks for daily. It’s one of our most creative adventures that tests our skills, stamina and capability and provides us with huge challenges and large rewards if we succeed. It’s an arena so many of us play in, yet so few truly stop to enjoy along the way, waiting for some level of financial success to finally say we deserve to celebrate. Here are a few thoughts to consider:

1. Be appreciative of your organization, the people who show up every day, your suppliers and your customers. It’s a significant demonstration of respect and is a ratification of your effective performance. Celebrate this achievement. Despite the natural frustrations and challenges that occur daily, I remind you that we do this by choice and we should enjoy as much of our day and appreciate our own efforts and successes as much as possible.

Many people have to believe in you for your business to function successfully, and they demonstrate great respect for you as the leader, fully believing you will deliver as promised and then fully enjoying the benefits of the relationship and paying you the ultimate compliment when they come back again for more. We should find time to celebrate this phenomenal success, the successful delivery of product or service that is appreciated and purchased by your customers. Wow, think about it, what an amazing accomplishment this truly is.

2. Consider the huge number of battles you fight every day, overcoming incredible barriers that challenge the successful deployment of your business plan. It truly is an uphill battle on a very slippery slope, and while we are always striving to get further up that mountain, we must appreciate the success and achievement we have all attained each day getting as far up the slope as we can go, one step at a time. Every successful battle waged, every sign of successful movement further up the slope is reason to stop and celebrate, even if it is a silent ” ‘at a boy” and a personal congratulations to yourself for an objective being accomplished successfully and progress being made.

3. Larger successes truly deserve more than a moment of positive reflection – possibly a real celebration. However it is done and in whatever form it takes, we need to celebrate our larger successes, as this is what the war is all about, the many battles that are won. Whether it be a great new account, or shipping more this month than last, or successfully financing a new piece of equipment, or simply making payroll on time, celebrate whatever the moment may be that brings you personal satisfaction and represents a significant accomplishment. We need to remember to celebrate in some visible meaningful way.

We all deserve the positive energy, the personal recognition of successful achievement and the outward evidence of success as we fight the impossible battles every day and work our way up the slippery slope of success. I frequently remind people how blessed we are to have the opportunities we have to work our magic and make dreams come true, converting them to reality. It is the modern equivalent of alchemy and deserves to be celebrated every step of the way.

Personally, I celebrate every day, as something worthy of celebration occurs every day of my life. It feels good, it elevates my spirit, and it reminds me why we are doing what we are doing. It rewards me for hard work and, yes, for success. It energizes my creative spirit and drives me to greater accomplishment. In a word, any objective that results in a plan of action that is successfully accomplished is worthy of celebrating, be it a small plan and thus a small celebration or a huge success and a major event. Take the time to congratulate yourself. You are worthy.

Not only are you reminded to celebrate your own successes, but since you are the head of your company, why not recognize and celebrate the successes of the people who support your efforts by honoring them when they accomplish something noteworthy? Celebrating success is good medicine. Do not forget to celebrate the victories, large or small, yours and those of the people around you.