“"When you undervalue what you do, the world will undervalue who you are." – Oprah Winfrey​ (The Goal Chaser)

Do You Deserve a Gold Star?

In the fast-paced business world, it's easy to overlook our achievements. We often push ourselves relentlessly, aiming for the next milestone without pausing to appreciate how far we've come. A group of young people spotted my gold star on my lapel while I was assessing their bronze DofE expedition. This small but significant act of self-recognition reminded me of the importance of valuing our own hard work and inspired me to encourage others to do the same.

Why Self-Appreciation Matters

 Running a business is no small feat. It's a journey filled with long hours, tough decisions, and countless challenges. Yet, amidst all this, we often forget to acknowledge our own efforts. Recognising our achievements, no matter how small, can profoundly impact our motivation and mental well-being. Self-appreciation helps us stay positive and maintain a healthy perspective on our work. At school, you were pleased when the teacher awarded you a gold star for your work—I know I was—but working now as a solopreneur, there is no person of authority to grant me a star for my dedication and hard work. It's about giving ourselves permission to celebrate successes and build resilience against the inevitable setbacks. The feeling of pride and accomplishment that comes with self-recognition is a powerful motivator, one that can fuel our drive and determination in the business world.

The Gold Star Story

The idea of awarding myself a gold star came from an unexpected place. I was working in a particularly challenging school that had just reached a significant milestone. To celebrate, the school gave all the students special gold stars. However, the students didn’t appreciate the stars, as they felt the celebration was more about the school than their own achievements. I found dozens of these stars discarded on the ground. I picked one up, looked at it, and thought, "I deserve a gold star," and pinned it to my lapel. It felt good.

The Benefits of Self-Recognition

Self-recognition is not just a fleeting moment of feeling good; it has a profound and lasting impact. When we take the time to acknowledge our hard work and achievements, we boost our self-esteem and motivation. This, in turn, can lead to increased productivity and a more positive outlook on our business endeavours. Celebrating our successes, no matter how small, is not just about feeling good; it's about building resilience. By giving ourselves credit, we reinforce our value and commitment to our goals, ultimately leading to greater satisfaction and success in our business journey. So, the next time you achieve something, no matter how small, don't forget to give yourself a gold star. It's a symbol of your achievements and a reminder of your resilience.

When I feel a bit stressed or fraught, I look down and see my gold star, which gives me a little bit of motivation. Sometimes, I catch my reflection and see the star, which takes me back to the time when I picked up the star and thought to myself, "I deserve that!" This small act of self-recognition can make a significant difference in how we perceive our efforts and achievements.

Encouraging Self-Recognition in Others

Recognising our efforts is essential, but it’s equally important to encourage others to do the same. Why might you want to award yourself a gold star? Just as it has for me, this simple act can remind me of your hard work and dedication, boosting motivation during stressful times. It symbolises your achievements and reinforces your values. By sharing our self-recognition with others, we create a supportive community that celebrates each other's successes and provides strength during challenging times. This sense of connection and support can be a powerful source of motivation and resilience in the business world.

I invite you to reflect on your accomplishments and consider giving yourself a gold star. Share your story, and let’s celebrate our successes together. Fill out the form below to share your thoughts and experiences.

Click this link to get your own Gold Star

Postscript

After sharing the gold star story with the young people, it became a little talking point during their expedition. At the end of their expedition, I gave the young people a debrief to help them understand their achievements. At the end of the session, a young person handed me a piece of paper with a gold star design and the words "Patrick's Gold Star." I was chuffed by what it meant. This gesture reaffirmed the significance of self-recognition and the impact it can have.