This week I was chatting with a friend, and I asked him how his business was faring. He said that he’s very excited, because he’s going to hit his goal of making six figures this year. I, of course, enthusiastically congratulated him.
He then mentioned that when he shared the same news with our business coach, she suggested that he now add a zero to that income. She’s always encouraging us to stretch our vision beyond our comfort zone!
But my first thought was, “Good grief, shouldn’t he celebrate the win? Six figures is nothing to sneeze at!”
And then I had to laugh at myself, because I RARELY celebrate my own wins. I’m more like my coach – show me the next challenge! But there is a very good reason why we MUST identify and acknowledge our accomplishments.
In her book, “Wander Woman,” Marcia Reynolds, an organizational psychologist, encourages the concept of Appreciative Dialogue. In the book she goes into delicious detail about how the brain physically works, and how to make lasting shifts. But in a nutshell, Appreciative Dialogue is consistently identifying and acknowledging what you’re doing right (as opposed to dwelling on falling short). When you do this, your brain adapts to integrate the lessons you’ve learned, changes occur more quickly, and are longer lasting. (great book, by the way!)
I incorporated this habit a few weeks back. I’m not perfect at it, but it has made each day a little more fun, and I’ve been more motivated. It’s like getting a gold star at the end of the day – a gold star for my mind!
I encourage you to incorporate acknowledging your wins on a daily basis. Maybe you picked up the phone and fired a client. Maybe you finally completed a book, or started a newsletter, or hired an assistant.
My win? Rain or shine, in sickness or on vacation, I’ve sent out my eZine once a week, every week of 2011.
Acknowledge your own wins here on my blog, and we’ll be sure to give you lots of appreciation and encouragement!
As usual, Mary, you provide uplifting fodder!! Here’s a recent win of mine:
I have finally begun investing in myself (previously allowing lack of funds to hold myself back). I have adopted the philosophy that investing in my own growth, in spite of limited dollars, is the door or window the Universe is looking for, to bring me more of what I seek. It feels freeing and I must say that over the last few months with this attitude, many new opportunities have cropped up, money is flowing into my bank account and I am motivated to keep it happening! For me, this is a win!!
Love your newsletters! Keep them coming!
THANKS!!