What If You Celebrated Yourself Like Fans Cheer for the Pros?
Every play deserves a cheer — and so do you!
Have you ever noticed how quick we are to cheer for others — but how slow we are to celebrate ourselves?
Last night, as I watched the Toronto Blue Jays take on the Seattle Mariners with my daughters, I noticed something that stopped me mid-bite of popcorn.
After every play, the crowd erupted.
Every run. Every strikeout. Every single catch.
Fans rose to their feet in celebration — even for the small wins.
And that’s when it hit me…
👉 What would it look like if we celebrated ourselves that way — in leadership, in life, and in the everyday moments in between?
🥂 Why Leaders Forget to Celebrate Themselves
Recently, my friend Julie Moscato and I finally paused long enough to celebrate milestones we’d each reached this year.
✨ Her: becoming a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
✨ Me: earning my Master Certified Coach (MCC) designation through the International Coaching Federation. The Highest Executive Coaching Designation
For years, we’ve both supported others through transformation and growth. But when it came to our own wins, we had quietly moved right past them.
“Leaders are incredible at cheering for others — but not always for themselves.”
We tell ourselves:
“I’ll celebrate when the project’s done.”
“Once I hit the next goal.”
“After the next milestone.”
But leadership — and life — isn’t just about the highlight reel.
It’s about the courage it takes to keep showing up, day after day, even when it’s tough.
That courage?
It’s worth celebrating.
💡 3 Leadership Lessons from the Ballpark
1️⃣ Progress > Perfection
True leaders don’t wait for flawless finishes. They honour the effort it takes to stay in the game.
Celebrate your persistence, not just your outcomes.
2️⃣ Make Celebration a Habit
Start your next team meeting with:
“What’s one thing you’re proud of this week?”
A culture of recognition drives motivation, trust, and better results.
3️⃣ Cheer for Yourself Like You Would a Friend
It’s easy to dismiss our own progress. Pause. Reflect. Toast to your growth — not your perfection.
“Leadership isn’t about one home run — it’s about showing up at bat, again and again, with heart.”
🌟 The Ripple Effect of Everyday Wins
When we celebrate small victories, we expand what’s possible.
We train our brains — and our teams — to notice progress instead of lack.
We build resilience, optimism, and momentum.
Here’s the truth:
Every “ordinary” win is a stepping stone toward extraordinary impact.
So, pour the glass of champagne.
Send that “we did it” message.
Smile at your reflection and say, “I’m proud of you.”
You’ve earned it.
💬 A Toast to You
Here’s to the everyday wins, the quiet victories, and everything we’re becoming along the way. Who’s someone you’ve been overdue to celebrate with? Send them this post — and maybe schedule that toast. 🥂
✨ If This Resonated…
If this message spoke to you, share it with a leader, friend, or teammate who needs the reminder.
Because celebrating yourself is more than a feel-good moment — it’s a leadership strategy that builds resilience, creativity, and connection.
💫 I invite you to check out my Web site and sign up for my FREE Newsletter to explore more articles and leadership insights.
Let’s create a world where leaders lead with heart — and remember to celebrate the humans behind the results.
Go Jays Go 💙
— Carey-Ann Oestreicher, MCC, MBA
CEO & Lead Executive Coach, Potential Unlimited
