Celebrate your wins

We all want to be recognized for what we do. We also want to feel we have value. These are two of our basic human needs.

As an executive, manager, or business owner how do you get those needs met?
It seems the hustle and bustle of business makes it easy to forget to recognize
the actions you've taken towards your desired outcomes.

Taking the time to recognize your own efforts builds a stronger "I can do it"
attitude. Remember the story about The Little Engine That Could? He knew he was built to pull little trains.
One day he was asked to pull a big train over the mountain. He huffed and puffed and kept saying, "I think I can, I think I can." When he finally reached the top of the mountain he said, "I thought I could, I thought I could." His past
successes pulling little trains helped him believe he could do the big job!

Do you believe in your capability to succeed? Taking the time to recognize your
successes will help you stretch your abilities when the going gets tough. Your
sense of mastery determines how much energy you'll expend when you face
obstacles in your business and personal life. Self-mastery comes from recognizing past successes.

Have you taken an inventory of your past accomplishments lately?

Try it now using these three easy steps.

1. Visualize.
Think of past accomplishments that made you feel good. There are no limits to
the number of your accomplishments! .Use "all" of your senses as you visualize
and relive the experiences.

2. Write.
Make those experiences more concrete by recording them in a notebook or journal. You can keep adding to your inventory!

3. Talk.
It's time to toot your horn! Each accomplishment has a story. Tell you success
stories to a trusted friend, spouse, colleague, or coach.

You'll find common threads weaving your success stories together. Those are your strengths!
Recognizing your accomplishments is a celebration.
What a great way to honor your efforts.
Each small success you've had is a spring board for something greater.
Celebrate your wins and soar with your strengths!

- Carol Gegner
Contributed by Dilip S. Karadge