Key Steps Turns 18!
This month, Key Steps turns 18! It’s hard to believe that what started as a dream – a vision to empower people and organisations take Key Steps to really learn, grow and thrive – has now reached adulthood. As I reflect on this milestone, I’m filled with such gratitude. Gratitude for every individual, team and organisation that’s walked this journey with us. Gratitude for the lessons (some learnt the hard way), the laughter, the challenges and the countless moments of growth we’ve shared.
I’ll be honest, for years, I wasn’t great at celebrating. Like many of us, I’d quickly move on to the next goal, often underplaying achievements to avoid appearing boastful or for fear of losing momentum. Over time, I’ve learned that celebrating – sincerely and humbly – isn’t about bragging. It’s about acknowledging progress, cultivating gratitude for the people and effort that made it happen, and wiring our brains for joy and resilience.
So, as we celebrate this milestone, I invite you to celebrate too and let’s take Key Steps together to…
‘be the difference that makes the difference.’
- Leverage the science of celebration.
Neuroscience tells us that when we celebrate – even small wins – our brains release dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter that reinforces positive behaviour and motivation. It also turns on all the learning centres in the brain. In other words, every time we pause to appreciate an achievement, big or small, we’re training our brains to notice progress, stay energised and engage in optimal learning.
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Psychologists like Barbara Fredrickson remind us that positive emotions broaden our thinking and build lasting psychological resources. Celebration does just that, it helps us pause, reflect and expand. It strengthens resilience, deepens connection and reminds us that our work – and our lives – m have purpose and meaning.
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When teams celebrate together, oxytocin (the bonding hormone) is also released. This builds trust, connection and collaboration, all vital ingredients for high-performing, happy workplaces.
- Recognise the heart behind the milestone.
As Key Steps celebrates 18 years, this isn’t just about numbers or milestones – it’s about people.
It’s about every coaching conversation that sparked a breakthrough.
Every workshop where a leader rediscovered their courage.
Every organisation that dared to transform.
Every “aha moment” that rippled into real, lasting change.
Every employee at Key Steps who puts such heart and passion into make this all possible.
Each of these moments is worth celebrating to give thanks to the human beings that make the difference.
- Practical Key Steps for you to take at least once a week.
Don’t wait for a special occasion. Take these Key Steps every week and acknowledge your team as often as you can and at least once a month.- Take a moment today to celebrate something – anything – you’ve achieved recently. It could be completing a challenging project, keeping a promise to yourself or simply showing up with kindness when it wasn’t easy.
Pause. Reflect. Acknowledge it.
Because when we celebrate with humility and gratitude, we fuel our future with hope.
- If you lead a team, remember that celebration isn’t a distraction – it’s a strategy for sustained success. I often hear leaders say, “Games aren’t won at half-time,” using it as a reason to hold back acknowledgment until the end. Yet, neuroscience shows the opposite: recognising effort and progress along the way builds energy, commitment and focus. When you take the time to appreciate your team – for how far they’ve come, not just how far they still need to go – you strengthen motivation and deepen trust. So, don’t wait for the final whistle to celebrate the wins that keep you moving forward.
As we step into our 19th year, we at Key Steps are more committed than ever to helping you take the Key Steps to learn, grow and thrive. Thank you for walking this journey with us – you are the heart of our story. Here’s to celebrating progress, purpose and possibility – together – and taking Key Steps every day to…
‘be the difference that makes the difference.’
