My band Orbit got signed in 1994. We had big ambitions, but as an indie-rock band, we also wanted to stay grounded and authentic. While we never became a household name, we did have a radio hit. We toured extensively – including a stint on the Lollapalooza tour in 1997 – and we played festival shows in front of huge crowds. We made a big budget music video and we appeared on MTV. Etc. etc. etc. You know… kinda successful.

But we always had a very blue collar attitude. Each success was simply a next step. We didn’t want to delude ourselves by overly celebrating minor accomplishments. We aspired for more. And the last thing we wanted to be was some parody of a 80’s hair metal band driving around in a limousine drinking champagne with a bunch of strippers.

However, in the early 00’s when we lost our record deal and the band slowly evaporated, I realized that by avoiding these celebratory moments, we were also avoiding opportunities to be grateful and to recognize the magic that was happening around us. Don’t get me wrong. We were certainly gracious and appreciative of those around us. But I don’t think I ever really took it in and fully appreciated it for myself.

So when I started Lullabot in 2006, I didn’t want to make that mistake again. I wanted to create a company with a culture of appreciation, elevation, and celebration. If someone is doing amazing work, let’s celebrate it. If an amazing client comes along, let’s recognize what a lucky, serendipitous, and magical opportunity we have been given.

It’s so easy to downplay these magical moments and let them slip by. Pausing for appreciation might feel like self-congratulatory gloating. It might make people uncomfortable when it’s “no big deal,” or they’re “just doing their job.” It might feel melodramatic or vulnerable and you may worry that people will take advantage. But it’s a chance to mark the moment as something special. Sometimes it’s a result of skill. Sometimes it’s a result of luck. But either way, it’s special. Appreciate that shit!

Over time, I’ve become better at recognizing the magical moments, serendipitous situations, and lucky accidents. I’ve tried to become better at telling people when they’re important to me – recognizing their talent and skill – and recognizing and acknowledging those moments of joy. Sometimes it feels like I’m pointing out the obvious. But it’s rarely received that way. It seems like the obvious is rarely as obvious as we think. And even when it is, maybe acknowledging it makes it more real.

How can you make magical situations happen in your life and in your company? Who could you hire, or partner with, or work for – that would feel magical and inspirational? Are there already successful relationships or unique situations that you’re not fully acknowledging? When we spot the magic and give it positive reinforcement, we encourage more of it to happen. Magic begets gratitude. Gratitude begets magic. It’s a nice cycle to be in.

Jeff Robbins is a business coach, mentor, and virtual business partner who works one-on-one with company owners and leaders to help them build vision and direction for their companies while building productivity, stability, and happiness for their employees and themselves. You can work with him too. Reach out to set up a free session.

Gratitude and Magic