In project management a milestone is “an end of a stage that marks the completion of a work package or phase typically marked by a high level event such as completion endorsement or signing of a deliverable, document or a high level review meeting.” The larger and more complex a project is, I make every attempt to celebrate with the team all major milestones. The celebration could be as simple as a thank-you card or gift certificate. Huge accomplishments always call for big celebrations.
When projects involve a culture change, the milestone may need to be followed by a period of mourning (death of the old way) with the celebration (birth of the new way).
Hardest part for me is that I tend to manage multiple projects at the same time. If I don’t slow down to revel in the moment, I’ll keep pushing myself on the next project. After a few months of that, the ‘what about me?’ becomes my forethought. Taking time to celebrate not only work milestones, but life’s milestones is important for a sense of well-being and maintaining a productive life.
Everyone’s life has major milestones that need to mourned or celebrated. We all celebrate the birth of a child, marriage and buying of the first house. But learn to enjoy major promotions, acceptance into a college or university, celebrate the end of a career as you transition into the new career or learning a new skill. Don’t allow the speed of life to rob you of your moment!
Aw, I love this post! Unfortunately, the last two paragraphs flew off the page and whacked me upside the head. It's so true… I tend to manage multiple projects and forget to slow down to revel, too. My husband is always trying to get me to stop and 'revel', but… yeah, it's hard.
Thank you for the reminder to celebrate work – and life! – milestones. =) (Husband thanks you, too)