A couple weeks ago, us Brits celebrated the King’s “official” birthday. 

Yep, you understood that right, not his actual birthday, but his “official” one. You see, here in the UK, the reigning monarch gets to celebrate twice. Once on their actual birthday, and once on their “official” one… The King’s (or Queen’s, as it was for many years) official birthday is always in June – and it’s always celebrated in a pretty similar way. 

There’s a parade called “Trooping The Colour” that has been happening every year for over 260 years, and it’s a real sight to see. Imagine more than 1400 soldiers, hundreds of musicians, and tons of horses all parading from Buckingham Palace, down The Mall, to Horseguards’ Parade. King Charles III rides up The Mall, either on horseback or in a horse-drawn carriage, and then joins the rest of the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. And if that’s not enough, there’s a fly-past by the Royal Air Force and a 41-gun salute in Green Park. It’s quite the celebration!

But there’s more… The King also has an official birthday party (this year held in Luxembourg) and there’s the King’s Birthday Honours awards too (think Knighthoods, Damehoods and MBEs…) The Royal Family do really know how to celebrate!

And that got me thinking… Most people don’t really celebrate enough. As a business owner, you’re naturally driven. Focused on the future and dedicated to achieving that next goal. But the downside of this is that we don’t always take the time to celebrate our success. To celebrate that milestone you’ve reached or that goal you’ve achieved…it’s just instantly onto the next. The result can be that you never actually feel that satisfaction of achievement – because you never take the time to pat yourself on the back and truly acknowledge it. 

So if you’re feeling a little unsatisfied, perhaps a celebration is in order? Do you celebrate your milestones? What about your business’ birthday? Every year in business is a great achievement – and if the King can have two birthdays, you can surely celebrate one! 

I’d love to hear your thoughts – do you celebrate your achievements? If so, how? …