The Joy Revolution
Why Celebrating Small Wins Can Transform Your Life - Week #4
"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." - Oprah Winfrey
Dear Courageous Souls (and Hesitant Celebrators),
What if the key to a more courageous life was hiding in plain sight, disguised as a simple 'thank you' or a quiet fist bump?
Have you ever taken a moment to appreciate successfully navigating a challenging work meeting or felt a surge of pride after finally tackling that daunting project?
If not, you're not alone.
But this week - week #4 in our courage journey - we're diving into the transformative world of celebration, and I mean celebrating everything, especially the small victories we often overlook.
A New York State of Jubilation
Picture this: Your deeply-imperfect but persistent courage-nerd (that's me) striding out of Hachette's headquarters onto New York's Sixth Avenue, buzzing with the news of "Scare Your Soul" going to paperback.
To celebrate, my girlfriend Dana and I snagged tickets to see Jon Batiste at Radio City Music Hall.
But we weren't just excited for Jon – we were equally thrilled at the prospect of glimpsing his wife, Suleika Jaouad.
For those who don't know,
is a force of nature, a beacon of resilience, and an inspiration to millions (including Dana and me).At 22, just as she was poised to embark on a promising career as a foreign correspondent, Suleika was diagnosed with leukemia. Her world turned upside down, but instead of retreating, she turned her experience into a powerful voice for those navigating life's unexpected detours.
She wrote the Emmy Award-winning New York Times column "Life, Interrupted," penned the bestselling memoir "Between Two Kingdoms," and created the amazing
Through it all, Suleika has been unflinchingly honest about her struggles, her fears, and her determination to find beauty and meaning in the midst of hardship.Just recently, Suleika had announced publicly that she was facing a recurrence of cancer and would be going back into chemo.
The weight of this news hung in the air as Dana and I took our seats, both of us acutely aware of the courage it takes to keep showing up, to keep celebrating life, even when that life throws you curveball after curveball.
The show was incredible – Jon’s energy and talent lighting up Radio City Music Hall like a supernova.
But the real magic happened at the end.
Jon coaxed Suleika onstage, and the crowd erupted.
In that moment, our celebration shifted. It wasn't just about my book or Jon's music. It was a celebration of life itself – of the courage to keep creating, loving, and showing up, against all odds.
As the applause washed over us, I felt a renewed sense that celebration isn't just about marking our successes.
It's about acknowledging our journey, honoring our resilience, and recognizing the courage it takes to simply show up each day. Whether we're facing a health crisis, a professional challenge, or just the everyday act of putting one foot in front of the other, there's always something worth celebrating.
As the echoes of that unexpected ovation faded, I found myself wondering: Could we bring that same spirit of celebration into our everyday lives?
Turns out, science has something to say about that …
The Science of Celebration
Now, I know what you're thinking. "Scott, that's great for you and your fancy New York evenings, but what about regular life? Should we celebrate taking out the trash?"
Yes. You absolutely should.
Here's why:
Stanford Behavior Design Lab's
has discovered that celebration is the secret sauce to turning those faint trails of courage into well-trodden paths of habit in our professional (and personal) lives.This isn't just feel-good fluff. It's science-backed strategy for success. For example:
After a successful presentation, take a moment to acknowledge your preparation and delivery. This reinforces the behaviors that led to your success.
When you navigate a difficult conversation with a colleague, celebrate your communication skills. This makes you more likely to approach future conflicts with confidence.
If you finally clear out your inbox, do a little victory dance. You're training your brain to associate productivity with positive feelings.
This Week's Scare Your Soul Challenge: Choose Celebration
This week, I challenge you to become a celebration connoisseur. Here's your mission:
Notice the wins: Big, small, microscopic – if it's a win, it counts. Example: You spoke up in a meeting when you usually stay quiet. That's a win!
Pause and savor: Take a moment to really feel the accomplishment. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let the pride wash over you.
Express gratitude: Thank yourself, thank others, thank the universe. Example: "I'm grateful for my ability to push through and complete that tough project."
Make it tangible: Write it down, draw a picture, or create a small ritual. Example: Keep a "win jar" and add a note for each victory, no matter how small.
Share the joy: Tell someone about your win. Not only does this amplify your celebration, but it might inspire them to celebrate too.
Remember, celebration isn't just about the big moments. It's about recognizing the courage it takes to simply show up each day.
What risks did you take this week? What love did you show others? What victories have gone uncelebrated?
A Final Toast
As we wrap up this week's newsletter, I want you to think about something: If Suleika can find moments of joy and celebration while facing a cancer recurrence, what's stopping us from celebrating our own lives?
Every small act of bravery is a victory. Every moment of connection is a cause for celebration.
So let's raise a glass (or a coffee mug, or a protein shake bottle – I don't judge) to the art of celebration.
Here's to you, courageous souls.
May your week be filled with moments worth celebrating, and may you have the wisdom to recognize them when they come.
With confetti in my hair and joy in my heart,
P.S. Have you taken our global workplace courage survey?
It only takes 3 minutes, and I would love to hear your thoughts on what makes for a brave (and celebration-friendly) workplace! Your responses might just inspire our next round of courage challenges.
Thank you!!