Do you know why we celebrate Labor Day? Although it does signal the end of summer and an excuse for a tasty barbeque, the Department of Labor enlightens us. Since 1882, each September we mark the social and economic achievements of working Americans.

What about your own achievements? Do you ever celebrate pride in your work, how far you’ve come, how much you’ve grown and the value of your contributions? Most of us neglect to acknowledge and celebrate our personal and professional accomplishments. If you identify and celebrate them daily, you’ll feel new energy and the encouragement to keep going.

Three kinds of accomplishments you’ll want to celebrate

1.  Always doing your best in every situation
This one merits the lifetime achievement award. Whether you’re in the job market, changing careers, working in a company or on a project with a professional team, are you diligently giving it your best effort?

2.   Mastering the small stuff
What may seem small and inconsequential is really quite significant. Managing through even the most uncomfortable of tasks gradually builds confidence, competence and self-esteem.

• Have you taken a healthy risk lately?
• Have you contacted someone in your professional life that could be helpful?
• Did you say ‘yes’ to a situation that you were nervous about accepting?
• Did you say ‘no’ to a job, contract or client that wasn’t a fit?
• Despite the discomfort, do you actively market your talents and do your outreach?
• Did you complete something you had been avoiding? Reward yourself for walking through!

3.   Learning new things and meeting personal goals

• Are you curious about learning new things?
• Have you taken an online or offline class, attended an event, earned a certification or sought academic accomplishment?
• Do you regularly read and add to your own knowledge base?

I’ve a friend who, after many years as a skilled designer, studied yoga through an intensive two-year program, received her certification and is now establishing a practice. She celebrated with a great dinner party. Others tell me they acknowledge their daily efforts to find a new job, research a new venture or market their professional services.

Always celebrate the big and small victories! Kudos and congratulations!

The greatest achievement of the human spirit is to live up to one’s opportunities and make the most of one’s resources. - Luc de Clapiers, marquis de Vauvenargues (1715-1747)

Today’s question
What accomplishments are you celebrating today?