Last week, I reached a milestone—one that’s personally meaningful and professionally important. My latest book, Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence, was released into the world. After months of planning, writing, editing, and preparing… it’s here.

But this isn’t about the book (well, not entirely). It’s about what that milestone reminded me—and what I want to remind you: when we hit a milestone, it’s an opportunity. Not just to check a box and move on, but to pause and do something valuable with that moment.

Too often as leaders, we’re so focused on what’s next that we blow right past these markers. We hit a goal and immediately shift our sights to the next one. That drive is good, but unchecked, it causes us to miss some powerful leadership moments.

So what should we do when we reach a milestone? Here are six things I believe every leader should consider:

Acknowledge the Moment

Milestones are markers for acknowledgment. When you and your team reach a significant point, don’t just glance at it and keep marching. Stop. Recognize the effort, the progress, and the people who made it happen. Everyone wants to feel seen—and this is your chance to provide that recognition.

Celebrate the Achievement

Celebration doesn’t always mean balloons and cake (though I’m not against that!). It can be a sincere “thank you,” a shout-out in a team meeting, or a written note. The act of celebration reinforces positive effort and builds energy for what’s next.

Reflect on the Journey

A milestone is a natural time to look back. What worked? What didn’t? What surprised you? Reflection helps us gather insights from the path we’ve walked. Without it, we risk repeating avoidable mistakes or missing what could’ve gone even better.

Learn from the Experience

Reflection leads to learning—but only if we ask the right questions and listen to the answers. What did we learn about the project, the process, and ourselves? Every milestone is a built-in checkpoint for growth, if we choose to use it.

Gain Perspective

When you reach a high point on a hike and look around, you see things differently. Milestones give us that same chance. They offer a new vantage point on our progress, our priorities, and our purpose. Don’t miss the view.

Rededicate Yourself

Most milestones aren’t finish lines—they’re signposts along the journey. That’s why it’s so important to take the moment to refocus and recommit. Reconnect with your "why." Reenergize your team. And recommit to the work still ahead.

As I reflect on the release of Flexible Leadership, I know it’s more than just a book launch. It’s a reminder of the purpose behind the work—to help leaders like you become more confident, capable, and resilient in an uncertain world.

So I’ll ask you:

  • What milestone have you recently reached?
  • Did you pause to acknowledge, celebrate, and reflect?
  • What might change for you if you added more of these moments into your leadership rhythm?

Let’s not rush past these important markers. Let’s use them to fuel the road ahead.

Because leadership isn’t just about finishing the race—it’s about making the most of every step along the way.

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Kevin Eikenberry is a recognized world expert on leadership development and learning and is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group. He has spent over 30 years helping organizations across North America, and leaders from around the world, on leadership, learning, teams and teamwork, communication and more.

Twice he has been named by Inc.com as one of the Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World and 100 Great Leadership Speakers for Your Next Conference. The American Management Association named him a “Leaders to Watch” and he has been twice named as one of the World's Top 30 Leadership Professionals by Global Gurus. Top Sales World has named him a Top Sales & Marketing Influencer several times, and his blog has been named on many “best of” lists. LeadersHum has named him one of the 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership in 2023.

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