The other day I had to Google "How to celebrate yourself in your career."

Becca Carnahan

February 2,2022 at 2:39PM UTC

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The other day I had to Google "How to celebrate yourself in your career."

Seriously.

My business coach asked me how I planned to celebrate hitting a goal and I stared blankly back at the screen with zero ideas beyond "do more work?"

When you love your work, your day can feel like a play day and that's great!

But it's still important to hit pause and give yourself credit, celebrate your accomplishments, and honor all the hard work you've put in. Whether it's for finishing a project, landing a new job, earning a promotion, or bravely saying "no," when your instinct says that's the right decision for you.

So here's my question for you - how do you celebrate yourself in your career?

(I think I'm going to go with bringing home some flowers from the store later! Oooo, and maybe a donut...)

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AnonymousFebruary 2,2022 at 2:47PM UTC
This is great advice! So many of us get the small wins and then just keep moving forward. Taking time to reflect and celebrate you can provide the motivation to keep climbing and increase engagement / overall happiness. Those small boosts can really help while we continue to work through this tough environment. Thank you for sharing!
Becca CarnahanFebruary 2,2022 at 4:48PM UTC
Such a great point! For anyone else struggling with finding a reason to celebrate, Tami hit the nail on the head with this point about continued motivation and engagement!
AnonymousFebruary 2,2022 at 3:12PM UTC
I am notorious for not celebrating anything. I get great new jobs, promotions and even unexpected bonuses and simply keep moving without missing a beat. I never acknowledge these highlights. I'm not sure why. I keep thinking I'll celebrate down the road.
Becca CarnahanFebruary 2,2022 at 4:47PM UTC
Right there with you! I think there are a lot of reasons we don't celebrate. Whether that's a "go, go, go" mentality, a fear of failure if let up once we cross the finish line, a question of "worthiness," or simply being too busy taking care of everyone else. It's definitely something I've been reflecting on and it takes an effort to remember to celebrate then follow through. But it's worth it!
AnonymousFebruary 2,2022 at 5:30PM UTC
Very insightful. I find it very easy to celebrate other people's wins and accomplishments but not my own. They just never seem worth the effort to highlight.
Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachFebruary 2,2022 at 11:18PM UTC
I know what you mean. I was totally like this until I figured out it was up to ME to decide they were, instead of hoping other people would or just waiting for someone to tell me its worth the effort.
Now, I celebrate wins every Friday. Whether it was failing and learning something, getting something right on the first try, or just doing something differently. Maybe give that a try?
Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachFebruary 2,2022 at 11:16PM UTC
You deserve to celebrate it now :)
AnonymousFebruary 2,2022 at 3:30PM UTC
I don't because I am not 100% where I want to be and this is just a stepping stone to get there. Should I? Probably but I am too busy thinking about the future.
Work has always been just that to me, work. I think that is why I find it easy to set boundaries.
Becca CarnahanFebruary 2,2022 at 4:50PM UTC
It's awesome that you've been able to set boundaries easily. That can be really difficult for a lot of people. And, perhaps that's even something to celebrate in itself! As for the stepping stone, I think that's worth celebrating too. You made a move to get onto THAT stone instead of another one and that's huge.
Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachFebruary 2,2022 at 11:15PM UTC
Celebrating each win is so much fun! I think of it as more of a time to pause and recognize your growth, and it helps build confidence as you move forward to where you really want to be.
Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachFebruary 2,2022 at 11:14PM UTC
A nice glass of champagne and cooking something new :)
Becca CarnahanFebruary 2,2022 at 11:28PM UTC
Great suggestions!
Orlagh CostelloFebruary 3,2022 at 2:27PM UTC
I have a weekend in a spa planned for a major achievement that happened just before COVID hit. I've been waiting 2 yrs for that particular celebration. Otherwise, I will do a very fancy bath at home, or else treat myself & husband for a lovely meal out, or get a very nice bottle of wine, or a really fancy bit of clothing I've had my eye on but is too expensive normally..... I would say I treat myself with books, but frankly, I buy the books I want regardless!! :)
Becca CarnahanFebruary 3,2022 at 8:56PM UTC
ALL of that sounds wonderful!
Aurora MeyerFebruary 3,2022 at 4:31PM UTC
Do you keep a folder or notes on what makes you love the work you are doing? What makes you feel appreciated as an employee and coworker? I use these in multiple ways: to remind myself on hard days that I love what I do, to feel appreciated when the appreciation isn't coming in a way that works for me and to remind myself to celebrate the little things. As for celebrating bigger achievements, find a way to brighten your work space! Maybe it is a plant or as you said flowers, maybe it's a photo or a new frame or something else. That way every time you see the item you remember the feeling of success. Let us know what you chose!
Becca CarnahanFebruary 3,2022 at 8:57PM UTC
Great points and suggestions! I encourage clients to have an accomplishments or "brag" folder where they keep emails from people who have complimented their work. An additional folder on what makes you feel appreciated and why you love your work is a great idea too. Love it!
K CFebruary 4,2022 at 1:44PM UTC
I treat myself to something – a spa day, a mini trip, or I buy something special for myself. You should be proud of yourself for hitting a career goal! Do something that makes you happy (non-work related) and let your accomplishment award you. :) Congratulations!!