I'm noticing that January is a natural pause and a time for reflection, even for many of my high-achieving clients. However, what many of them have really realized through our coaching work is that they need to take time to celebrate their successes. It's very common for high-achieving individuals to check something off the list and quickly move on to the next thing, to get that next dopamine hit, that next feeling of accomplishment and success. And although this is amazing, it can rob you of feeling and relishing in several moments of joy, gratitude, and fun. 

Our brain loves to get rewarded for doing hard and meaningful things, so if we bypass the party and quickly move on, it may be less motivated to achieve again—no wonder we give out medals, beer, and cash prizes after running events. One of my mentors (Melanie Ann Layer) says, “Celebration is a party thrown in the name of gratitude.” She has elaborate parties with balloons, champagne, and food to celebrate her coaching successes. 

As you reflect on 2023 and what you want to accomplish in 2024, I invite you this month to stop and celebrate (more than a fist pump) all that you achieved, did, and worked on in 2023. Let those feelings wash over you, relish in them, put some space between you and that next big goal.

Warmly,
Melanie