…don’t forget to celebrate in a ridiculous and exaggerated way

When you accomplish something small, like getting an important form in the mail on time, don’t forget to celebrate in a ridiculous and exaggerated way. My personal favorite way to do so is to hum a few bars of Pomp and Circumstance or the Rocky theme song, while in the final throes of completing a task, like for instance, uploading this post. Think of a 14 year old kid on his dirt bike, spastically pumping down the street like he’s in the Bourne Identity: that’s the spirit of what I’m talking about. In dry coaching jargon, it’s called ‘building by immediate success.’

Why do this?

a) Let’s face it, as adults no one else is going to widen their eyes and clap for us like they might’ve when we were small (at least not consistently). Consistent positive reinforcement is a habit strengthened by practice alone, and its an inside job.

b) It’s a lot easier to celebrate someone else’s successes when you’re already doing so for yourself – so its a service to others.

c) The playfulness in such a small act cancels out piety, rigidity and other boring by-products of modern adultness, so you can enjoy your day and others can enjoy you more too.

A more systematic approach is to make a daily list of what you’re proud of, have accomplished, however imperfectly, in the day.

And here’s where I press play…