The Underrated Leadership Habit That Builds Momentum Fast

When was the last time you celebrated a win? If you’re like most leaders, you probably can’t remember.

But here’s why that needs to change—today.

Celebrating wins often feels indulgent—or like a distraction from the next goal. But science shows that it’s more than just a feel-good habit. It’s a leadership superpower.

When you celebrate success, you’re not just enjoying the moment. You’re rewiring your brain for confidence, clarity, and growth.

Why We Skip Celebrations

It’s not even that we don’t want to celebrate wins—it’s that our brains are wired to overlook them. Here are a few reasons why:

1?? Negativity Bias:

Your brain naturally prioritizes problems over progress. It’s why you remember one mistake more vividly than 10 wins. (Read more about overcoming negativity bias in this free Medium article.)

2?? Hedonic Adaptation:

The thrill of success fades quickly, leaving you chasing the next milestone instead of savoring your achievement.

3?? The Productivity Trap:

In a culture that glorifies “the grind,” pausing to celebrate can feel unproductive—even though it’s essential for sustainable growth.

These mental traps don’t just steal your joy—they sabotage your clarity, decision-making, and long-term success.

The Leadership Advantage of Celebrating Wins

Celebrating wins isn’t just a feel-good exercise—it’s a strategy for transformation. Each celebration, no matter how big or how small, will help you:

• Rewire Your Brain: Celebrating strengthens the neural pathways that drive confidence and success. It’s neuroscience in action.
• Build Momentum: Reflection and recognition release dopamine, reinforcing motivation and creating a feedback loop for future wins.
• See the Big Picture: Wins aren’t just outcomes—they’re evidence of growth. Pausing to reflect connects you with the skills, resilience, and progress behind your success.

When leaders celebrate small wins, they reinforce the habits and mindset that drive lasting success—and lead with greater clarity, resilience, and confidence.

How to Make Celebrations a Leadership Habit

Here’s how to start celebrating wins in a way that drives lasting impact:

1?? Look Back with Intention:

Reflect on recent weeks or months. What’s a moment—big or small—that made you proud?

2?? Focus on Growth:

What did this win teach you about yourself? What challenges did you overcome?

3?? Celebrate Your Way:

What matters isn’t how you celebrate, but that you pause long enough to recognize the progress you’re making.

4?? Make It Routine:

Set time each week or month to reflect on progress. A “wins journal” or quarterly review can help embed the practice.

Why This Matters

Celebrating wins isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about becoming a better leader. When you honor your progress, you’re reinforcing the habits, skills, and mindset that make you successful. And you're role-modeling it for those around you. Sounds like a win-win to me!

Your Challenge This Week:

What’s one win—big or small—you’ll pause to celebrate today?

However you choose to celebrate, take a moment to acknowledge it. And if you feel like inspiring others, share it in the comments.

Every success deserves to be celebrated.

About Success Made Simple

This newsletter delivers science-backed strategies to help executives like you earn and embrace your seat at the table. Subscribe for actionable insights on leading with confidence and clarity.

Hi, I’m Angela. Let’s simplify your path to extraordinary leadership.

As a behavioral scientist turned biotech exec turned executive coach, I help leaders like you earn and embrace your seat at the table. Follow me for practical, no-nonsense advice to help you achieve extraordinary results and become the leader everyone wants to follow—one clear, actionable strategy at a time.