I’ve always been a bit of a YMCA historian, so when I was recently invited to lunch with a group of retired Y CEOs and senior leaders, I jumped at the opportunity. We all reminisced about past experiences and the friends who have shaped the Y Movement over the past 40 years—and I enjoyed every minute with them.
Well into our time together, and after sharing some of the challenges we’re working on here in Orlando, I was asked a question that surprisingly stumped me:
“Kevin… where do you find your joy in your work?”
After four years of writing these First Friday messages, you all know I have no shortage of Y stories—great things I see every day in our facilities and programs. But in this case, I struggled to answer him because I realized that I always recalibrate after every win, immediately looking ahead to the next improvement to make.
It’s hard to find joy when you don’t take the time to celebrate the wins along the way.
Today’s message is a challenge to you: celebrate your wins—every one of them—loudly! Be your own best PR and advertising agency.
- Did you just set a new personal record (PR) in the pool? Tell your friends.
- Did you lift your heaviest weight? Add it to the PR list in the weight room.
- Did you make it through that tough spin class for the first time? Post it on social media!
- Did you accomplish a weight loss goal or hit a significant milestone? Buy that new outfit—and tell everyone why you bought it.
When we celebrate our wins and share them with others, there’s a network of supporters waiting to cheer you on to your next greatest achievement. You don’t have to win in private—let’s celebrate the wins of life and find our joy together.
| Until next time… |
 |
| Kevin Bolding, President & CEO YMCA of Central Florida The Y. For a better us.® |