Simple Tip to Make Work More Fun: Celebrate Like an Athlete

What if the key to making work more fun wasn’t a major overhaul or a new job, but something as simple as celebrating more?

When I spoke with Mohammad Massaquoi, former UGA football star turned leadership coach, he reminded me how much we can learn from athletes. “In sports, you celebrate every win,” he said. “Even the little ones. It builds trust, momentum, and keeps the game fun.”

Think about it: in sports, every great play earns at minimum a high-five, and the most elaborate celebrations go viral. Even when things go wrong, there’s still a culture of acknowledgment. It’s not just about the final score—it’s about the joy of playing and trying your hardest.

But in most workplaces, those moments of recognition are rare. A great presentation might get a quiet “good job,” or more than likely a “👍🏼” once a successful project wraps. And then we’re on to the next thing. This can leave us feeling unseen and undervalued, even when we’re doing incredible work.

Celebrate Small Wins

Here’s the simple tip: celebrate like an athlete.

You don’t need confetti cannons or champagne every time you check something off your list. But a little acknowledgment can go a long way. When your team hits a milestone, take a moment to say, “We did that.”

Why does this matter? Celebration creates energy. It reminds us that our work has impact. It strengthens relationships and builds momentum. It’s the human equivalent of a team huddle—it says, “We’re in this together, and we’re doing something that matters.”

Mo’s Take: Build Momentum Through Recognition

When I asked Mo how celebrating shaped his career, he didn’t hesitate. “It’s not about the size of the moment,” he said. “It’s about acknowledging the effort. That recognition builds trust and keeps people motivated.”

The same is true in the workplace. When we pause to celebrate, we reinforce good work, create positive habits, and build team culture. Without it, people can start to feel like they’re just going through the motions.

Try It This Week

This week, pick one win—yours or someone else’s—and celebrate it. Did you finish a tricky task? High-five yourself (yes, literally). Did a coworker crush their presentation? Tell them.

It doesn’t need to be formal or elaborate. Just take a moment to say, “This mattered. You mattered.”

Some easy first steps:

• A shoutout in a meeting. Pause, clap, and give it at least 10 seconds for effect.

• A heartfelt thank-you email. Bonus points if you include the silliest GIF you can find.

• Surprise snacks. A box of donuts or a round of popsicles can make a regular Tuesday feel like a holiday.

• A quick “good vibes” circle. Everyone shares one thing they appreciated from the week—it’s fast and keeps the energy up.

Work isn’t meant to be all grind, no joy. And if you want to make it more fun, start by treating it a little more like a game—and celebrating every step forward.

Because as Mo said: “Sometimes, the only thing people need to hear is, ‘You’re doing great.’”

Want Extra Credit? Go for a choreographed touchdown celebration with your colleagues. Record & share it with me on LinkedIn and I’ll send you a King of Pops gift card.

Please watch & follow along every week!