It wasn’t until I published my first book, and my husband sent flowers to my job, that I realized I hadn’t been celebrating my achievements. Reaching a goal, especially a major milestone should be a momentous occasion, to pause and rejoice. After all, while many authors publish books every day, many more would-be authors do not. It may have started back in my art days when there wasn’t really so much support.

Is it just me or has it became common to set a goal, reach it and buckle down for the next thing on the list? And maybe some of my achievements aren’t all that big a deal. Where is the line that separates the small deals from the epic victory?

As the leader of a writer’s group, I encouraged writers to reach an agreed upon singular focus: getting published. I learned many valuable lessons while leading that devoted group, lessons about the rewards of perseverance, and the complete and total joy of holding your very own book in your hand with your name on it. Amazingly, I was just as proud of their accomplishments as I was my own.  We cheered each other on through writer’s block, revisions, character development and patched story gaps.

Our group was together for over five years. The moment that stands out most occurred when one of our novelists finished her manuscript. She invited us to a restaurant to celebrating the momentous occasion with her. It was an enormous achievement and a great time. People around us wondered who this author was and what she’d written.

When my husband had flowers delivered to my day job, it gave me a chance to talk about my writing and sell copies of my book to coworkers. It also put them on notice that I had other talents that would eventually remove me from their circle.

By recognizing your milestones you send a message to your brain that there is a beginning and an end to each project and that hard work pays off.  Plus, you get to bask in the warmth of admiration, and the pride of completing a worthy endeavor. And, sometimes a lovely bouquet of flowers.

You’re worthy of reward.

After my husband passed, I was reminded of another way to celebrate. In Julia Cameron’s book, The Artists Way, she suggests making artist dates with ourselves, that include those things that feed your soul.

Now when I complete a milestone, I call a close friend and say, “Hey, I’ve just accomplished such and such. Let’s go out and you can help me celebrate!” I think we can all use a little more celebrating. Inviting loved ones, supporters and followers to celebrate your accomplishments makes it an even bigger occasion.  Every victory may not need to be a gala, but here are some ideas for marking the occasion.

• Have a photo shoot and keep a photo album of your celebrations.
• Keep a victory log. When you hit a day that is less than ideal or downright discouraging, nothing will pick up your spirits quite like a track record of victories!
• Send yourself a post card or congrats card and keep them in a scrapbook (next to your victory log!)
• Buy a bottle of champagne (or a bottle of fizzy Kombucha if you’re health conscious!)
• Send out a press release to your personal friends and family.
• Make your favorite sweet treat and invite friends to share. I love sharing big moments with friends and loved ones over food.
• Write a letter of thanks, a note or text to someone who helped you get there.
• Treat yourself to a spa day.
• Go somewhere amazing for a night or a whole week.

Celebrating your victories will give you something to look forward to when you begin your next endeavor.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? How did you celebrate? What are you currently working toward?

Thanks for stopping by. If you need a cheerleader for something you’re working on, I’d love to encourage you. Drop a comment in the box below. I look forward to seeing you again next time.