Some accomplishments are right out there in the open, easy to spot, and often accompanied by great fanfare – for example, graduations, promotions, or the completion of a construction project.
Along the way to the significant accomplishments, other (smaller) accomplishments are often noted as milestones on the path to reaching the end goal. For example, graduating from high school or college means moving up one grade level at a time. Attaining each grade level requires gaining knowledge, acquiring skills, or increasing abilities – each is seen and acknowledged as a new accomplishment.
But what makes each of those levels of accomplishment possible? The hidden accomplishments that are manifested along the way. Studying for the exam, memorizing specific tables, practicing various skills, or gaining new levels of ability isn’t nearly as noticeable as the day the degree is ceremonially given. However, the degree might never have been attained without these hidden accomplishments.
Project Milestone Accomplishments
Much like the path to graduation, the completion of a construction project depends on milestones being reached. Instead of an annual level of achievement, the milestones might include:
Initiation
Planning
Excavation
Foundation
Structural framing
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
Interior and exterior finishes
Punch list
Substantial completion
Project closeout
However, it is the hidden accomplishments that make each of these milestones possible.
Hidden Accomplishments Come in all Sizes
Some hidden accomplishments can mean different things to different people. For instance, some will feel quite accomplished when they can say “no” without feelings of guilt, while others will step up to a new level when they can say “yes” without banging into the wall of the unknown.
It need not be different people. For example, your need for “yes” and “no” responses (along with their attending feelings and consequences) can change depending on the day.
You’re likely to find many when you practice looking for hidden accomplishments. Here is a list of ideas (loosely arranged in three groups) to get you started in that quest.
Personal
Instilling a new good habit.
Eating a nutritious meal.
Finishing a book, a class, or a course.
Making it through a difficult day.
Adhering to scheduled downtime.
Relational
Asking for help when needed.
Collaborating with a colleague.
Encouraging or supporting a friend, employee, client, or colleague.
Meeting a new person with whom you feel “simpatico.”
Performing an act of kindness.
Receiving a kind word or acknowledgment.
Talking through a problem.
Working through a disagreement.
Business
Avoiding procrastination.
Being creative.
Completing a less than enjoyable task.
Decluttering your desk, office, or other spaces.
Doing something to make your day more efficient.
Finding a better or more reliable source.
Focusing on the details.
Gaining flexibility to transition from task to task (and back again.)
Hitting inbox zero.
Locking onto a great idea.
Staying on schedule.
Stepping outside your comfort zone.
Sticking to a productive routine.
Trying or learning something new.
Using the budget to guide your decisions.
Why Bother Celebrating Hidden Accomplishments
As you read the above list, you likely recognized several ways you’ve already experienced a “make your day” moment. Furthermore, in a Harvard study concerning the power of small wins conducted in 2007, analysts reported that celebrating small victories resulted in regularly motivated people.
Perhaps not surprisingly, small events and accomplishments (not the larger milestones) had more to do with the study’s outcome.
Celebration Adds to the Accomplishments Account
Celebrating those hidden accomplishments is more than simply putting coins in a jar to be withdrawn and counted later. When well celebrated, the addition of each coin can be likened to regularly stashing those coins in an interest-bearing account. Their value grows.
Similar to success begetting success, the incremental celebration of hidden accomplishments leads to further accomplishments. Feeling good about the progress you’re making helps you stay tuned to making more progress.
How to Celebrate Your Hidden Accomplishments
No matter your hidden accomplishments, there are various ways to celebrate. Choose several from the list below, or add a few of your own.
Keep track of them – write them down in a journal, on an online application, on a 3X5 card, on a sticky note, or on whatever you find.
Tell someone about them – share verbally with someone in your support system. It could be a family member, friend, colleague, employee, business coach, or even your children.
Create a group messaging thread with friends or colleagues to share work-related stories and successes.
Tack on a weekly call for “hidden accomplishments” at your tailgate talk. (Encourage everyone to participate.)
Start making a rubber band ball. Each new hidden accomplishment gives you a reason to add another rubber band. (You might want to introduce this as a challenge among your office staff – give each of them a starter ball and a bag of rubber bands.)
Use a company-wide group messaging system where daily small wins can be dropped at will.
Keep a “favorites” playlist handy and listen to one of your chosen songs.
Go for a walk around the office, the block, or in the park.
If you are sitting, stand up and do a celebratory dance.
If you’re standing, sit and ponder for a few minutes.
Buy yourself a small treat.
Building with Hidden Accomplishments
This is the final word. Train yourself and your team to look for and celebrate the hidden accomplishments that lead to milestones that lead to construction project completion. Celebrating hidden accomplishments is a powerful way to boost energy and the entire team’s achievement ratio.
Reflection: What hidden accomplishment have you noticed today? How will you celebrate it?
Ambitious Construction Contractors look to The Profit Constructors to provide advocacy in dealing with:
Clients and customers
Employees and subcontractors
Vendors and service providers
Governmental entities
Working with The Profit Constructors gives Construction Contractors the means to organize their operations in ways that help them:
Remain informed
Avoid hassles
Reduce risks
Be future-ready
Ready for action? Or want to know more? Get in touch today to schedule a complimentary discovery call. 866-629-7735