Immediately when I say the word ‘victory’ a flashy, gold trophy appears in my head, maybe even with a gold medal draped over it. An instant feeling of success.

Pride. Relief. Excitement.

The trophy image probably stems from the fact I have competed in sports almost my whole life. Now, victory doesn’t always mean a golden trophy at the end of a long match or game.

A victory is different to everyone.

For example, like eating a piece of broccoli. Now, if I was able to eat a whole piece of broccoli that would be a huge victory for me, but to any of my friends or family that is a simple daily routine. (This is why I drink my vegetables in tablets).

Just as the type of victory is different for everyone, so is the size of it. Something huge to me may not be as meaningful to someone else -- again like the broccoli example.

Now, for a few years I have realized I struggle with acknowledging what I like to call victory moments.

Victory moments are successes in life where I should take a second and appreciate the feat accomplished no matter how big or small.

I know being a struggling perfectionist is a large reason it is hard for me to celebrate these victory moments. The thought I could have done something better or just the thought of why celebrate something I was supposed to achieve constantly revolve.

I’m normally pretty good at noticing these moments for others around me and congratulating them, but sometimes I still make the mistake of not celebrating them for others. A flaw in my thought process I have been working hard to change.

About two weeks ago, Plaid Flag Music had its first nomination for a publishing award. An incredible first. Our small and growing publishing company hit a milestone.

I remember reading the email so proud of one our writers and the company.

Within the same minute, my mind started thinking about the other nominees and how many times they had been nominated and won. Their building walls adorned with awards and plaques.

A sense of embarrassment fell upon me. How could I get excited about this one nomination when other companies have had so many?

Honestly, I’m ashamed my brain even went there. I went into the comparison trap instantly comparing our company and our team’s achievements to others.

But that’s bullsh*t.

Being nominated is a VICTORY moment for our company and writer. No matter win or lose the award (There are some incredible songs also up for it) we should take a second and celebrate the nomination, especially since it is our first ever.

It is a victory moment.

It’s a stepping stone in the right direction.

And hopefully the first of many.

It’s completely unfair of me to compare myself, our writers, and our company to others.

They don’t have our story. They aren’t us. They are in a different position than we are.

This is our chance to celebrate the nomination and to realize this is a victory moment, not a moment to compare to others. Comparison is a never ending cycle that will never end well.

There will always be doubt in the back of my head or the urge to compare, and unfortunately there will always be people who want to bash or try to steal the victory moments.

But who cares, celebrate the small things and celebrate the big things.

Make time for it.

Take a second and congratulate yourself on where you are. Don’t be afraid to take a breath and pat yourself on the back.

Small victory. Big victory. Acknowledge it.

Don’t forget to stop, smell the roses, appreciate the victory moment... then you can get back to work.

I know it’s not always the easiest thing, but we can work on it together,

Kendall