This monthly column shares a small idea or low-stakes practice that everyone can try out whether in a classroom setting or other learning context. Remember that all current Academy members have free access to the e-Faculty Guidebook through the Member’s site!
Strategy: Appreciating Gains and Rewarding Achievement (CELEBRATING)
FROM: 4.2.3 Personal Development Methodology
Step 9—Appreciate Gains (acknowledge growth and progress)
This step is about recognizing improvements in attitudes, risk, and life vision that result from taking on increasing challenges. Even small life changes are highly significant because they predict an increased ability to actualize potential in the future.
Step 10—Reward achievements (motivate yourself for future successes)
Important accomplishments need to be recognized and celebrated. Celebrating with family and friends makes the ongoing pursuit of goals at least somewhat public, helping individuals feel positive while also adding powerful social motivation for continuing to set challenging goals.
Note that the learning skill renewing (recharging yourself for future performance) is of particular relevance here, as the point is to maintain motivation over the long haul and for the future, rather than just long enough to achieve a single goal.
[A recent blog post from Pacific Crest, “Choosing Celebration Instead of Regret” speaks to the idea of choosing to celebrate a strong performance rather than regretting how it wasn’t perfect!]