Celebrate Your Leadership Journey: Small Wins, Big Growth

As leaders, we find ourselves focusing on the next thing; whether it be a goal, challenge, or opportunity, we have a drive to keep moving forward. However, in this drive, we sometimes forget to pause and celebrate how far we've already come. In what has felt like an endless busy season, I've been reminded of the importance of celebrating and solidifying my growth and wins as a leader. There was a time when this was more difficult for me to do; however, now that I have gotten into a good rhythm, I've noticed a profound shift in my attitude and spirit when I take the time to reflect and celebrate.

It has helped me embrace more gratitude, confidence, and joy in my leadership journey. I've also realized that celebrating my growth isn't just a personal boost—it creates a ripple effect for those around me.

Research backs up what I've been experiencing firsthand. Dr. Barbara Fredrickson's Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions demonstrates that positive emotions, like those generated through celebration, expand our thinking and build resilience. When we acknowledge and honor our wins, we create a positive feedback loop and reinforce our capacity to tackle future challenges. 

Celebrating also strengthens our sense of gratitude. Studies published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology show that practicing gratitude improves overall well-being and enhances relationships. For leaders, this means that taking time to celebrate progress boosts our morale, inspires our teams, and cultivates a culture of appreciation.

How to Build Daily Celebration Practices

I used to save celebrating when I met significant milestones. However, I've learned that making celebration a daily practice is even more impactful. Here are some simple ways I've started to incorporate this habit into my routine:

1. Keep a "Win Journal"

   Dedicate a few minutes daily to jot down one or two wins—big or small. Whether it is navigating a difficult conversation while staying true to my values, sending a proposal to a new client, or updating my financial projections, writing it down reminds me that growth is happening daily.

2. Create a Morning or Evening Ritual

   Spend 5-10 minutes reflecting on what went well during your day or week. Pair this reflection with another habit, like your morning coffee or evening wind-down, to make it a consistent part of your routine.

3. Pair Reflection With Existing Habits

   I've started reflecting on my wins as I brush my teeth in the morning or at bedtime. It might sound odd to hear, but pairing gratitude with a habit I already have solidified has been a great way to make this happen daily. And it centers me at the start or end of my day.

4. Share Wins With Others

   I start every meeting with my coach by sharing a win from our last meeting. I also tell my family and friends about my big and small wins daily. Sharing these accomplishments adds an extra layer of meaning. The conversations uplift me but also encourage others to celebrate their growth.

Making It a Big Deal: Year-End Celebration

Thanks to my coach's wonderful suggestion, I'm taking some time to celebrate my growth on a larger scale with a year-end celebration. I'm using this as an opportunity to reflect deeply on my growth over the past year and honor my progress. 

Here's my approach:

Create a Reflective Space

I set aside intentional time in a quiet, inspiring environment. I turn on my favorite music and bring my journal, calendar,  and any notes or memories from the year that capture my journey.

Ask Reflective Questions

I take time to ask myself:

1. What were my biggest wins this year?

2. What challenges did I overcome?

3. What surprised me about my journey?

4. How have I grown as a leader and as a person?

Document My Growth

Writing a letter to myself about the year's highlights, lessons, and accomplishments has become a powerful tradition. I have done this periodically throughout my life and have found that it's something I can look back on during difficult times as a reminder of how far I've come.

Set Intentions for the Year Ahead

I end my time by setting intentions for the year ahead. Visualizing the future helps me carry the gratitude and confidence from the past year into the new one.

Celebrate With Loved Ones

Sharing my reflections with close friends and family makes the celebration even more meaningful. This year, I'm hosting a small celebration with my family to share my growth, express gratitude, and celebrate together.

Since I started practicing celebrations, I've noticed significant shifts in how I view myself and my leadership journey. I feel more resilient, present, and connected to the values that drive my work.

Celebrating isn't just about patting yourself on the back; it's about honoring the journey, embracing gratitude, and cultivating a mindset that fuels continued growth. 

Whether through daily rituals or a meaningful year-end celebration, taking time to celebrate is an act of self-leadership that strengthens the foundation for the future.

If you're a leader, I encourage you to try this practice. You might be surprised at how it transforms your perspective and your leadership. 

So, pause, reflect, and celebrate. 

You've grown in more ways than you realize, and that deserves to be honored.