Celebrate: One Post-It Note a Day!

When we are talking business success strategies, there are certainly many lessons from my former Corporate Life that can be integrated into my Entrepreneurial Life.

One such lesson is the power of Performance Management.

I know. Those of you who worked a job for even one year are probably moaning right now. UGH- BRYN- I HATED EVALUATION TIME. Bell curves, corporate edicts, cost of living raises, uncomfortable conversations and anxiety. That is the experience generally for people around performance management.

For me, it was always different. Okay, admittedly I am a bit of an HR, corporate culture and organizational development geek; therefore, the performance management system plays right into my hands. But I also always used this time not only spending hours upon hours creating meaningful written evaluations for my team members, but for myself. You know the process. You have to prod your manager along by filling in forms about your accomplishments throughout the year so they can evaluate you accurately.

HERE IS THE OPPORTUNITY…

That process of reviewing your year. Writing down everything you accomplished- no matter how infinitesimal- to ensure you got credit… remember that? Sitting down quietly and reviewing the accomplishments of the year- and of course, also those areas where you needed additional support or fell short. And you documented. Boy did you ever document.

WHAT IF WE DID THIS NOW- IN OUR OWN BUSINESSES?

• What if I kept a running list of my accomplishments no matter how small?
• What if I took time every quarter or every year to jot down the progress I made?
• What if I took stock and evaluated- just for me?

I see this over and over again in my clients’ businesses, my friends’ businesses and even my own. Running to the next thing so quickly that no one stops to celebrate the accomplishment of today, this week or this month.

Sure, I have been so many radio shows over the last year that it now fun, easy and really enjoyable. But the first time I was interviewed on radio show I was dancing in the living room when it was over and had been successful. Then quickly that incredible accomplishment became a blip on the screen. I had moved on to new challenges. There are so many “firsts” in our business. So many moments when we challenge ourselves to think differently, try on a new behavior for size or step out of our comfort zone. In my opinion, it should all be celebrated.

Just keep a running list (maybe even a post-it note for each day?)

When you: quote your new prices, send your newsletter out on time, get a great referral, place a difficult phone call, hire someone to support you, make a financial investment, offer something new to a client in your session, incorporate a new skill into your practice or actually balance your books this month. Write them all down!

Celebrate what you have done! Every little baby step that creates the remarkable business owner you are today.