Do you ever accomplish something and just move on to the next project, not even taking a moment to catch your breath? After all, there’s so much to be done, right?
You are not alone! Most people plug away at those eternal to-do lists and don’t allow time to celebrate
hard work and success. This pattern may produce results, but it certainly leaves little room for joy -
and results without joy is like baking a great cake without ever delighting in its taste.
Why don’t we stop to celebrate more often? After all, celebration shifts us into a world of fantastic
feelings – happiness, satisfaction, pride, and more - and these feelings have a way of generating even more
success. They fill us up with lots of energy that spills over into the next endeavor.
Celebration doesn’t have to be a party with champagne and dancing. It can be as simple as taking a moment to deeply appreciate a successful meeting, a signed agreement, or a great homemade dinner. It can be a shared moment with someone close, just talking over a recent accomplishment. It can be soaking in a bubble bath, enjoying this relaxing time for you. It really can be anything – as long as it gives you an
opportunity to acknowledge your success and enjoy it fully.
Are you running a little low on celebration in your life? If so, perhaps you reserve celebration for only the super-special achievements. Or perhaps you’re a little hard on yourself, habitually looking at challenges instead of victories.
It’s time to bring more joy and appreciation into your life – go celebrate!
1. Take a moment to think about a recent achievement.
2. Write about this event, recalling the juiciest details, and acknowledge the qualities in you that
were necessary to succeed. Let this be the first entry in an ongoing success journal.
3. Now choose a way to celebrate that feels wonderful to you. Do it now!
Julia James, CPCC, PCC, M.Sc. is a multi-lingual certified life coach, award-winning author and international speaker. She helps busy professionals around the world achieve balance in their lives through individual coaching and workshops. Author of the book, The Mini-Retreat Solution and the audio CD series, Guided Mini-Retreats for Busy People, she provides tools to manage stress effectively and to relax and re-energize quickly. Julia has been featured on Joy TV, CBC News, as well as in The Globe & Mail, Glow Magazine, BC Business Magazine and The Vancouver Observer. For more information visit: www.juliajames.ca