Celebrate the Wins! Start the Year with Confidence
Forget resolutions for a moment.
Before your team launches into new targets, fresh strategy decks, or “word of the year” emails.. pause.
Because something important happened last year: You made it. They made it. You did things worth recognizing.
And whether it was bold or quiet, public or behind-the-scenes, it deserves a spotlight.
Confidence doesn’t come from goals. It comes from remembering what we’ve already done.
Why Leaders Skip the Celebration Step
It’s not intentional. It’s just the pace.
Most leaders hit January running, with metrics to hit and Q1 momentum to build. But if you skip the celebration, here’s what you miss:
A chance to reinforce behaviors that matter
A moment to show your team you see them
The emotional reset that actually fuels performance
Celebrating isn’t fluff. It’s strategy.
And when done right, it creates a foundation of trust, energy, and belief, right when your team needs it most.
What Celebration Looks Like (Beyond Bonuses and Balloons)
When we hear “celebrate,” we often picture awards, applause, or champagne. But in most workplaces, the celebration your team craves is simpler, and more meaningful.
A manager saying, “I saw how hard you worked behind the scenes.”
A team huddle to share three small wins that made a big difference.
A moment of silence in a meeting to recognize a tough milestone that was met.
A leader writing a message that acknowledges not just what was done, but what it took.
Because here’s the truth:
People remember recognition more than rewards. Especially when it’s specific, sincere, and unexpected.
Celebrate the Invisible Work
Not all wins are measurable.
Some of the most important team contributions from last year might’ve been:
Someone navigating a tough personal season, but still showing up
A team member who helped keep the vibe steady when things got rocky
The person who quietly supported everyone else, even when no one asked them to
If your culture only celebrates outcomes, you miss the people who held it all together.
This year, shift the lens. See the effort, not just the output.
The Confidence Checklist: Start the Year Here
Before you ask your team what they’ll do next, try asking:
What from last year are you most proud of?
What was a win that maybe went unnoticed, but mattered?
What was a challenge you overcame (even if no one saw it)?
What’s something we should carry forward, not just fix?
These questions aren’t fluffy. They help your team access earned confidence, not just external motivation.
A New Year, Not a New You
We don’t need new selves. We need to recognize what’s already strong.
The teammate who showed resilience The manager who navigated hard conversations The team that stayed kind under pressure
Start the year by naming those things out loud.
Because the best goals are built on belief. And belief comes from feeling seen.
Call to Action
🔹 Share this with your team as a reflection prompt
🔹 Start your first meeting of the year with a round of “uncelebrated wins”
🔹 Visit lifechangesmag.com for tools to build a human-first workplace in 2026
This year, skip the pressure.
Start with presence. Celebrate what’s already strong. And lead with the confidence your team deserves.
This article was written by Deena Kordt and featured in her ‘Human First’ LinkedIn Newsletter.
📖 You can subscribe here.
Meet the Author - Deena Kordt
Deena Kordt, publisher of Life Changes & Divorce Magazine Canada, host of the Life Changes Channel podcast, is also an author & speaker from Southern Saskatchewan with a passion for inspiring personal growth and community support. Growing up on a farm and ranch, she developed strong small-town values and a deep sense of community. Deena has had a diverse career, including roles as a nurse, librarian, and reiki master, but her most cherished role is as a mother.
Deena's books, podcast, magazines, blog and presentations aim to help individuals reconnect with their inner strength and joy, encouraging them to embrace life with courage and resilience. She has overcome significant personal challenges, including the loss of two brothers and living in an abusive situation, which has fueled her mission to support others on their healing journeys.
Known for her adventurous spirit and rock 'n roll heart, Deena believes in the power of a supportive community of women. She invites you to join her in exploring life with curiosity and courage.
Awards and Recognition:
2023 Womanition Trail Blazer Award Nominee
2024 Soroptimist International Ruby Award Winner
2025 IOFP Top Women’s Leadership Coach & Publisher of the Year
Deena has been featured on several podcasts and magazines, co-hosts the “Shift Happens Show” and is working on her memoir.
Note: The author, compiler and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party due to these words coming from the author’s own opinion based on their experiences. This account is based on the author’s own personal experience. We assume no responsibility for errors or omissions in these articles.
