"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate."

Oprah Winfrey

I had the opportunity to catch up this week with my friend, Tania, who I had met several months ago at an event in Florida. She and I had each chosen different coaches to begin working with in the fall and periodically connected with one another to compare notes on our progress with our businesses. When I spoke with Tania this week, I took the opportunity to bring her up to speed on things in my business. While I shared some of the successes I'd had in the past couple of months, I mostly focused on the things I hadn't gotten to yet. Things that I had hoped to complete before year's end. She immediately picked up on this and said, "Have you made a list of all the successes you've had since we met four months ago?" I mumbled something like, "no, not really". And she said, "Well, you need to, because I can't believe the things you've accomplished, and I'm so impressed!"

Tania made me realize (and I did sit down and make my list) how important it is to stop and celebrate the things we are doing right. To acknowledge the things that are working in our business. The accomplishments and successes we have achieved. Celebrating success is a way of building self esteem, joy and optimism.

Here are some suggestions you might want to consider:

1-Make a list of all of your successes in 2011. Take the time to sit with your list and read it! Feel good about all that you did do and accomplished in the last year.

2-Share the list with at least three people. Other people like to hear success stories and enjoy being part of something good. Share your success with others!

3-Start keeping a daily list of your successes-keep these in a success journal. Then next year it won't be so challenging to think of all of your successes-you'll have them right in your book!

4-Reach out to thank everyone who supported you: Customers, employees, family members, friends, community etc. This is a great way to celebrate!

5-Treat yourself to something really nice-that's meaningful to you. Whether it's something expensive, a vacation or spa treatment, or an afternoon to yourself-take the time to rest on your laurels!

And by the way, CONGRATULATIONS for all you've accomplished this year! Great job!