The difference a minute, a day, a week, a month, or a year makes is life-changing.
A year ago, I was in the hospital. A year ago, I couldn't walk to my mailbox and back. Now, I run three miles at least three times a week.
Sometimes, I look back to see how far I've come. Somedays, all I could do is take a small step. Then another and another. Eventually, each step added up to a mile. Then another and another.
Next, I ran one mile. Then another and another.
Those small steps led to small victories. Those small victories led to a super-sized victory. I can run three miles!
Daily, celebrate a victory no matter how small.
Did you get up? Yay, you!😃 Did you move your body for at least 10 minutes? Yay, you! Stop right now and celebrate something you did that propelled you one step closer to a goal, dream, or desire.
How'd that feel?
Science research says it feeds your brain with positive. Science says neurologically, you feel great.
“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”- Oprah Winfrey
When you celebrate small steps, they lead to super-sized victories.
Celebrating is an act of gratitude.
Your mind moves in the direction of your thoughts. So not only is celebrating good for you but it's good for students too. Teach students to celebrate and focus on progress.
Sometimes progress is as simple as showing up. Celebrate the small, simple victories, and fill your mind with gratitude.
Be thankful for how far you've come. Be grateful that you started. Being thankful is a form of celebration.
STRONG educators take time to thank. STRONG educators celebrate. Why? It takes the focus off of regress and points to progress. Celebration sends our brains forward instead of stuck on failure.
The following excerpt is from the STRONG Principle in my book: Be Their Warrior, set to release in fall 2021.
(See more details about the book below at the end of the post.)
Take Time to Celebrate
Celebration is a pivotal stage in the productivity and positivity process because it allows us to commemorate all the good that we do. Celebrating helps us stay in the present moment. Celebrating reminds me of how far I’ve come instead of to how inadequate I may think I am or feel. Especially because I tend to focus on all I still want to accomplish.
“Celebration feeds our basic human need for self-love and self-acceptance. Celebration is emotional nourishment” (Volkar,2008). Celebrating creates an environment for more wins. Like I’ve stated previously: Success breeds success. When you celebrate, you focus on wins instead of losses. Progression instead of regression. Positive instead of negative.
Celebrate Daily, Weekly, & Monthly
Celebration is self-acknowledgment and recognition for successfully completing every small step you take forward in your life. I break down my personal victories into three parts: Daily Delights, Weekly Wins, and Monthly Milestones. Each day, usually on my drive home from work or when I brush my teeth before bed, I reflect on happy moments from the day. Sometimes, I write them down in my planner so I can revisit the celebration for the day.
Every Friday, I write down my personal “wins” for the week. They can be as simple as staying hydrated or thanking a colleague. Then, at the end of each month, I write down all the positive things that I did or happened for the month. By doing this, I take my eyes off my challenges and focus on gratitude and positivity. “Celebration is positive magnification. What we focus on expands”(Volkar, 2008)
Celebration is good for you and your students. Why? Success breeds success and keeps you motivated. Check out this interesting article on the Belief & Success Cycle by Tony Robbins.
No matter where you are today, take a moment to celebrate. One minute, one day, one week, and one year's worth of celebrating is life-changing. Give it a try. You'll never regret celebrating yourself and your learners.
You make a difference!
💕Pamela
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