Welcome to the Stop Sabotaging Your Success podcast, episode one hundred and twenty-four. I’m your host, Cindy Esliger. This is the podcast focusing on what we can do today to take control of our careers and overcome the inevitable barriers to success that we encounter along the way. 

In the relentless hustle of our professional lives, it’s alarmingly easy to lose sight of our small victories and those positive experiences that do occur in the daily grind. We’re programmed to push forward, often without pausing to process, let alone appreciate, the milestones we’ve achieved. What if we were able to tweak this ingrained behavior just slightly? By incorporating a routine of noticing and appreciating the good, not only in outcomes but also in the process, we could potentially transform the mundane into the extraordinary. 

In this episode, we explore making a shift toward a more appreciative and observant approach that just might unlock a treasure trove of untapped potential and opportunities. Imagine transforming your work environment into a place where each success, no matter its size, is recognized and valued. When we begin to take notice of the efforts and achievements of ourselves and others, we not only increase our own morale and that of our team, but also open doors to new possibilities that might have previously been obscured by a cloud of negativity. 

This practice isn’t about slapping a superficial layer of positivity over real challenges; rather, it’s about creating a mindset that actively seeks out and celebrates the small wins, setting the stage for greater job satisfaction and professional growth. It’s about changing the lens through which we view our professional lives – from one of constant deficiency, to one of abundant opportunities. This journey, from somewhat apathetic to an engaged, appreciative participant in our careers, can lead to profound changes in how we perceive the challenges we face and the barriers in our way.

We often find ourselves in a relentless sprint from one milestone to the next, with barely a moment to breathe, let alone bask in the glow of our achievements. It’s as if pausing to appreciate our successes is a luxury we can’t afford in the race against time and meeting those looming deadlines. However, incorporating a habit of noticing and appreciating the good in our daily routines is not just a pleasant diversion, it’s a crucial strategy that can foster a positive mindset and unlock a wealth of new possibilities.

First, let’s explore the difference between appreciation and gratitude. While both are positive responses, gratitude typically involves a sense of thankfulness for something we’ve received, like help from a colleague or a favor from a friend. Appreciation, on the other hand, is about actively noticing and valuing the positive aspects of our surroundings, experiences, and ourselves. It’s about reflection, not just reaction. Appreciation requires a moment of pause and a deliberate acknowledgement of what is right in front of us.

Now, why is this distinction important in a professional context? Because in the grand scheme of things, our achievements and positive interactions are often overshadowed by our unmet goals and our relentless pursuit of more. This can make us feel overwhelmed, discouraged, and defeated. It’s hard to feel genuinely enthused about what lies ahead when we feel perpetually behind. 

We have a tendency to treat our professional achievements as checkboxes on an endless to-do list. Completed a project? Great, what’s next? Secured a new client? Fantastic, on to the next one. This relentless march forward might look like productivity, but it tends to be a shallow victory. We’re missing out on the critical opportunity to reinforce the value of our efforts. 

Breaking this habit doesn’t require grand gestures. It can start with something as simple as taking a moment at the end of a meeting to acknowledge the good ideas shared. Or perhaps, at the end of a grueling project, instead of just a collective sigh of relief, a team could take a few minutes to celebrate the milestone. It’s about marking the moment, not just letting it pass right by. 

Why is this worthwhile? Well, for starters, appreciating our accomplishments can significantly boost morale. A workforce that feels appreciated is more engaged, loyal, and productive. But the benefits of fostering a culture of appreciation go deeper than that. It cultivates a mindset that values growth and learning. When we take the time to notice and reflect on what went well, we’re also more likely to keep doing what’s working and continue to improve. It’s a positive feedback loop: do good work, appreciate it, make some improvements, and appreciate some more. 

Furthermore, appreciating the positive aspects of our work can act as a buffer against the stress and burnout so rampant in our modern work cultures. By actively noticing the good, we’re not just glossing over the bad; we’re building up our resilience that can help us deal with challenges more effectively. This isn’t just fluffy, feel good advice; it’s a strategic move to maintain our most valuable professional resource, our mental sharpness and creative energy. 

When we appreciate the steps along our professional journey, we start to see not just where we’re going, but how we’ve grown, what we’ve learned, and what truly matters to us. This reflective practice can guide us toward better career decisions that align more closely with our long term goals, rather than just doing the next task on someone else’s agenda.

But, why is it so hard to stop and appreciate what’s going well at work? Maybe it’s because the common attitude these days is that if you’re not miserable at work, you’re not doing it right. But let’s flip that script. What if, instead of spending so much time worrying about what could go wrong, we gave some thought to how differently things could be if we actually acknowledged our good fortune?

Maybe it’s time we appreciated the “what is” over the “what if”. It’s easy to dwell on what could have been or what should be. However, there’s a distinct power in recognizing the good that exists right here, right now. It’s about seeing the silver lining, even on a Monday morning when you’d rather not face the same old struggles. By appreciating our present circumstances, we not only enhance our own satisfaction, but also set a foundation for more engagement.

So, I invite you to take notice of and appreciate something today. Here are four tips to help you do just that: 

1. Start Your Day with a Positive Inventory: Before the avalanche of emails crushes your optimism, take a moment each morning to jot down three things you’re looking forward to that day. Maybe it’s working on a project that excites you, a lunch date with a colleague, or just the fact that your office chair is pretty comfortable after all these years, despite the ominous creaking sounds it’s been making lately.
2. Take a Pause: After any interaction or accomplishment, big or small, pause. That’s it. Just stop for a minute to leverage the power of the pause and reflect on what went well. Did your presentation capture their attention, if just for a moment, and that person in the front row gave you an encouraging, genuine smile? Did you solve a problem that’s been bothering you for weeks? Recognizing these victories can turn them from fleeting moments into meaningful experiences.
3. Create a Brag Folder: It’s not every day that we actually get a compliment on our work. It’s actually pretty rare, since everyone is too busy rushing to the next thing to bother pointing out what you did well. So, when you get one, save it. Create a folder in your email or on your desktop for every piece of positive feedback you receive. When that imposter syndrome looms large, or you’ve had an especially challenging day, open it up and remind yourself that you’re more capable than you think.
4. End Your Day on a High Note: Before you shut down for the day, take a few minutes to reflect on what went well. Maybe you managed not to mistakenly hit ‘reply all’ on a sensitive email (we’ve all done it!). Or perhaps you made significant progress on a challenging task you’ve been dreading. Whatever it is, acknowledging it can help you end your day with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. 

Incorporating more appreciation into your daily routine doesn’t just make you a happier employee, it can also expand your perception of what’s possible in your career. When you have a less cynical attitude, your mind is more open to noticing opportunities you might otherwise overlook. Maybe it’s an unexpected connection with someone in a different department who can offer you insights, or a side project that aligns with your interests. Whatever it is, take notice and appreciate it. 

Appreciation signals to others that you’re someone who values positivity and growth. People are naturally drawn to those who acknowledge and celebrate the good in situations and in others. I’m sure I’m not the only one who steers clear of those people who just can’t find the good in anything. 

When you start practicing appreciation, it’s like throwing a pebble into a pond – it has that ripple effect that extends far beyond that initial splash. Colleagues might start mirroring your positive behaviors, leading to a more appreciative and collaborative work environment. Who knows? Stranger things have happened. 

While the daily grind can sometimes make cynics of the best of us, integrating a practice of appreciation into our routines offers a refreshing counterbalance. It’s about acknowledging the good, without ignoring the challenges. So, take a moment to appreciate the small wins and fortunate circumstances in your professional life. Who knows? This slight shift in focus could be that spark that lights up your entire career path, illuminating opportunities and relationships that fuel not only your professional growth, but also improve your mood. After all, wouldn’t it be nicer to work in a place where everyone feels valued and recognized? If you have that, hold onto it! 

Sometimes, just going to work can feel like entering a battlefield where the weapons are passive-aggressive emails and the casualties are our sanity and job satisfaction. Amid the chaos, it’s incredibly easy to adopt a cynical attitude, focusing on everything that’s gone wrong and trying to point fingers at who’s to blame, but never at ourselves, of course. 

But what if we decided to break free from this doom spiral and use appreciation as our secret weapon? Not only could this shift our mindset towards solutions, but it could also fortify our professional relationships. 

Are you ready to rebel against the negativity? Here are three tips to help you lead the charge:

1. Turn the ‘Blame Game’ into the ‘Claim Game’: Instead of spending energy pinpointing who dropped the ball, shift the focus to how the team can collectively pick it back up. Next time a project hits a snag, gather your team and brainstorm solutions together. Encourage everyone to claim a part of the solution by proposing ideas and volunteering for tasks. This approach not only sidesteps unproductive blame, but also fosters a sense of collective responsibility and personal agency. 
2. Keep a ‘Kudos’ Log: This might sound like something straight out of an overly enthusiastic HR workshop, but hear me out. Keeping a log of all the things that go right, no matter how small, can be a game changer. Whether it’s a successful client call or a day without IT issues, jot it down. Over time, this log will become a powerful tool to remind yourself and your team of all the wins you usually overlook. Plus, it’s great ammunition for performance reviews and justifying raises (because, let’s be honest, we all want more money).
3. Schedule a Regular Time for Appreciation: Set a recurring meeting with yourself entitled “Appreciation Break” in your calendar. Use this time to reflect on what others have done that week that helped you or made your job easier. Then, go tell them. Yes, actually walk over to their desk or send them a message expressing your appreciation. This will not only brighten their day but might also encourage a positive feedback loop in the office. Before you know it, your colleagues might start returning the favor. 

You may begin to notice that there’s a transformative power to appreciation. When you’re known as the person who notices and appreciates the good work of others, you become a magnet for opportunities. Leaders and decision-makers are drawn to positive influencers in the workplace because they uplift the entire team and drive results. This visibility can open doors to lead new projects, to being invited to participate in special committees, or even, dare I say, be considered for promotions. Essentially, appreciation can act as your career catalyst. 

Actively noticing and regularly practicing appreciation of the positive aspects in your daily life can significantly boost your mental health and emotional resilience. This shift in focus helps reduce stress and promotes a more positive outlook, both of which are crucial for sustaining high performance in the workplace. 

When people feel valued and acknowledged, trust and interpersonal relationships are strengthened, fostering a culture of mutual respect and recognition. Adopting a habit of noticing and appreciating the good encourages a broader perspective and enhances creativity which are essential for problem solving in professional settings. 

Transforming your work environment through appreciation isn’t just about being nice, although that is part of it. It’s about strategically fostering a workplace that’s not only more enjoyable for you, but also more productive. By breaking the cycle of negativity and focusing on positive contributions, we can create spaces that not only drive us to achieve our best, but also make the daily grind a lot more bearable.

So, the next time you complete a task, take a moment to reflect on what went well. Acknowledge your hard work and that of those around you. Celebrate a little. It’s not just about feeling good; it’s about creating a richer, more thoughtful professional experience. And who knows? This simple act of appreciation might just be the key to unlocking the potential you didn’t even know you had. 

And that’s it for this episode of Stop Sabotaging Your Success. Remember to download your Guide to Appreciating the Good at cindyesliger.com/podcast, episode one hundred and twenty-four.

Thank you to our producer, Alex Hochhausen and everyone at Astronomic Audio. Get in touch, I’m on Instagram @cindyesliger and my email address is info@cindyesliger.com.

If you enjoy listening to this podcast, you have to come check out The Confidence Collective. It’s my monthly coaching program where we dig a little deeper into what’s holding you back in your career, and we find the workarounds. We help you overcome the barriers and create the career you want. Join me over at cindyesliger.com/join. I’d love to have you join me in The Confidence Collective. 

Until next week, I’m Cindy Esliger. Thanks for listening.