Celebrate: 100 Verbs Project (v. 2026)

Celebrate is a verb of recognition. Whether we’re recognizing a birthday or a work accomplishment, we are paying homage to history, legacy, progress, or promise. I’m writing this on the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, and reflecting on how to celebrate recognitions big and small. Often, the big things get the parades and our attention. We look forward to those special days when we can buy the balloons and share the camaraderie with community. What about the smaller recognitions? I’m thinking about those day-to-day actions that are worthy of recognition. Is it time to celebrate the small stuff more?

In professional spaces, we move quickly. One meeting leads to another. One project leads to the next. One accomplishment becomes yesterday’s news before we take a moment to appreciate it. We tell ourselves there will be time to celebrate later, but later never comes. On to the next is the reality.

It’s easy to overlook personal and professional wins. But these small moments are worth celebrating. We are not just machines built only for output. We are humans who need moments of joy.

I used to keep a daily accomplishments list. It replaced my never-ending to-do list. Each day, I’d alternate between sticky notes and a notebook, jotting down my accomplishments throughout the day. It felt great to look at the notes each day and recognize how much I had done. I don’t know why I stopped.

I’m not sure if the accomplishments list is the best for the current moment, but as I reflect on celebrate, I am committed to bringing more joy to my life through recognition. At the same time, I don’t want to celebrate for the sake of celebration. There’s a part of me that believes celebrations should remain special and unique. I’m wondering if a constant state of celebration will diminish meaning.

As with many verbs on this 100-day journey, the answers don’t come in the moment. The verb comes to mind and I reflect on its significance in my personal and professional life. Today, I choose to celebrate. Tomorrow, I may choose to celebrate again.

If you’re reflecting like me, what do you choose to celebrate? Is it possible to celebrate too much?

97 days to go.

AFCI: AE