I wanted to learn to swim. So I set my goals, I got down to it, worked hard and struggled to overcome all obstacles. Thats the right way to do it, isnt it?

After a month of working at it, with lessons, and practice why wasnt I happy about it? Every time Id see someone swim effortlessly down the pool Id look at my own progress and feel inadequate.

Its sometimes the same in life, and business. You can do everything right, by setting out your goals, making some progress, but feel depressed that you havent reached your main goal quite yet.

Well, try this. Set some smaller, interim goals for along the way. I need to float. I need to kick my feet. I need to paddle my hands.

Then each time you achieve your interim goals celebrate the fact that youve accomplished something new and better. Remember that even the guy who was swimming effortlessly down the pool will have someone whos a better swimmer than they are.

Its the progress that you should celebrate.

Theres a great motivational poster called Celebrate Dolphins with a quote that says Take pride in your achievements. This I can do.

In fact I tried the stop and smell the roses approach but who has time to stop for anything these days. This way I can maintain my breakneck speed pace in life and get some enjoyment out of the things I get done by doing my little celebrate thing for each small goal meet. It seems to work.

So, ok, Ive got float down pretty good. I can kick my feet. Reason to celebrate for sure as I wont drown if I fall in a pool now. So celebrate, and kick, and kick, and kick.