When a new building is completed, there’s often some kind of ribbon-cutting ceremony. A celebration to drum up excitement for the new construction. The project is over now, and it’s time to reap the benefits.

An even older tradition is the groundbreaking ceremony, which dates back to at least 113 BCE in ancient China. This ceremony marks the beginning of a project, with the first scoop of dirt being shoveled out to make way for a grand new building, the construction of which may take years.

When we look at the projects in our lives, we tend to focus on the ending. We celebrate that the hard work is over.

And there’s nothing wrong with that, per se—we should celebrate the ending. But all too often, we forget to honor the momentous occasion of getting started, which is an achievement in and of itself.

Much of what I did at the beginning of my career provided instant (or near-instant) gratification. My path was paved with short-term wins.

But nowadays, I’m noticing more and more that I’m planting seeds. I’m starting projects that might not bear fruit for two or three years—or even longer. The discomfort of not having that instant gratification takes some getting used to. Often, when we don’t have that exciting jolt of positive feedback, we abandon long-term projects altogether. We lack the motivation to get us all the way there.

That's why I’ve learned to celebrate it, just like a groundbreaking ceremony. It's not a huge party where I brag to all my friends, but something meaningful that gets me motivated.

Setting the tone for your whole journey

Pursuing your purpose takes time. On your journey, you may start projects and plant seeds you won’t get to sow for quite a long time. These projects could look like:

• Training for a marathon

• Opening a savings account for your kids’ college tuition

• Planting a garden

• Signing up to become a coach with the Jay Shetty Certification School

Today, I invite you to commemorate the commitment by doing something special just for you.

Try this: Create your own special groundbreaking ceremony for a big undertaking you’re about to start. These little celebrations can keep us motivated and excited–exactly what we need when things get tedious or tough.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Take a peaceful walk in nature, reflecting on what the project means to you.

• Write a commitment letter to yourself, only to read it back after your project.

• Find a friend who can keep you accountable.

These little celebrations can keep us motivated and excited—exactly what we need when things get tedious or tough.

When you honor your first step, you set the tone for your entire adventure. 

#1 New York Times Bestselling Author
Host of the On Purpose Podcast
Creator of the Jay Shetty Certification School