One of the hardest lessons I had to learn not only as an individual, but as a leader

Much like most of us, I was taught at an early age that I until I actually achieved the end goal – I wasn’t acknowledged. Until I

I got the “A” on the test
Got the Promotion
Graduation
Ran the half marathon
Exceeded my sales target

And when I became a leader, I transitioned this philosophy onto my team.  We hadn’t achieved it yet…so what was there to celebrate?
 
In all reality, by not acknowledging or rewarding myself or my team along the way it when we hit milestones that made achieve our goal possible, it caused us to slow down…or in some cases stop completely.  Why?
 
We can’t see the end in sight.
 We fail to recognize that achieving a big hairy goal is a marathon, not a sprint.
When you acknowledge and reward yourself along the way it signifies you’re moving forward.
Maybe one step at a time. But forward.
 
And when you know you’re making progress, you’re less likely to give up.