I've talked before about the importance of setting goals along with the challenge of fulfilling those goals over time.

Well, last week, I achieved a goal that was an entire year in the making, and I'm really proud of myself for not giving up when it would have been very easy to do so.

What's the goal? It's kind of silly, to be honest. I met someone new through the networking platform, LunchClub, every week for one year straight.

If you're not aware of LunchClub, it's a free platform that connects you to other people based on your interests, intentions, and/or geographic preferences as frequently as you would like.

Why am I sharing the achievement of this "silly" goal with you? Because I think it's important to celebrate our accomplishments —even the ones that are smaller in their impact.

I also think it's important in the purgatory that is our ongoing socially distanced world to keep putting ourselves out there even if it's just for spontaneous conversation.

And, honestly, that is one of the things I miss the most about the before times, that opportunity to have casual conversation while waiting in line (usually for the restroom), at a bus stop or on the bus, at a cafe or restaurant (when we weren't separated by plastic or space).

To be clear, I am not an extrovert by nature, but I do like people and I am perenially curious.

Having spontaneous conversations has resulted in some amazing things in my life including but not limited to job and business opportunities, speaking engagements, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and wonderful friendships.

Casual conversations have made the hours disappear on planes and trains and in automobiles.

It provides laughter, a sense of community, fabulous recommendations for restaurants, books, websites, resources, and so much more that I would otherwise not necessarily discover on my own.

I'm not trying to sell you on LunchClub. I would say it's worth checking it out if you're not on it already.

I am encouraging you to connect with people regularly and not purely for "networking" purposes.

We are more than our business or jobs, and talking to others allows us to tap into those other areas of our lives and interests and learn new things simply for the pleaure of learning and knowing about them.

For me, it also reminds me that there are lovely, friendly, generous, smart people in the world at a time when it's easy to forget that and retreat into my insulated bubble.

I also want to encourage you to celebrate your little wins as you would your big ones.

In a long journey no one step is more important than any other. Each one takes you closer to your destination, whether taken on an easy road or a rigorous path.

If you've got a win, big or small, you're celebrating, let me know. I'd love to celebrate with you!

In honor of February being Heart Health Awareness Month, just a reminder, to take both physical and emotional care of yourself.

P.S. Book a free consultation with me today to support your business goals and meet your most pressing challenges.

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