Derek Hovinga (He/Him)’s Post

As we've entered the darkest time of year and festive season in the West, I realize how much I have to be grateful for. While reflecting, I thought about how the way we express gratitude —whether it’s focused on "we" or "me"— can shape not just our relationships but also how our contributions are perceived. For example, if you instinctively say "we" instead of "I" when sharing your achievements, you’re likely operating from the perspective of the We-Mind. This approach thrives on shared success, lifting others up, and fostering connection. It’s a powerful and generous way to live. But in a world that often rewards the behaviour of the Me-Mind —self-promotion, individualism and competition— your impact can be overlooked.  Ever told yourself “If I do great work, others will notice”? That’s classic We-Mind thinking. The reality? In the me-minded world. whether at home or at work, recognition isn’t automatic. It requires clear communication, sometimes loud, sometimes persistent. So, as you reflect on everything you’re grateful for, here’s a gentle challenge: celebrate yourself too. Acknowledge what "we" achieved as a team, but don’t forget to honour your unique contributions. Gratitude isn’t just about what you share with others; it’s also about recognizing your own brilliance.  This is not a matter of choosing one thinking pattern over the other. True accomplishment comes from knowing when to lean into each. Celebrate the collective wins. Take ownership of your individual achievements. And maybe you’ll inspire those around you to value the best of both minds.  This season, let your gratitude be a bridge between "we" and "me," between generosity and self-recognition, and between all you’ve done and all you’re capable of becoming. #Gratitude #WeMindVsMeMind #SelfLeadership #Happiness 

🌟 Friday Celebration: Let’s Lift Each Other! 🌟 🚀 Happy Friday, everyone! 🎉 Today, let’s shift our focus from the usual TGIF vibes to something more meaningful. Instead of just celebrating the weekend, how about celebrating each other? 🙌 🔍 In the Rush of It All: We often zoom past incredible moments without pausing to appreciate them in our fast-paced professional lives. But guess what? Those small victories matter—they fuel our drive and create space for even greater achievements. 🚀 🌼 Join the Celebration!: Here’s your invitation to participate in this uplifting celebration: 🌹 Shoutout to a Colleague:Did a teammate crush a presentation, crack a complex problem, or simply bring positive energy all week? Let’s give them their well-deserved flowers! 🌹 Gratitude goes a long way. Tag them, share their awesomeness, and spread the good vibes. ☺️ 👏🏽 Express Gratitude:We all have that teammate—the one who’s been supportive, sharing helpful tips, and making our workdays brighter. It’s time to give them a standing ovation! 👏🏽 A simple “thank you” can make someone’s day. Let’s acknowledge their impact. 🎉 Celebrate Personal Wins:Did you achieve a personal milestone this week? Maybe you completed an online course, finished writing that novel, or conquered a fear. Share your success! Your journey inspires others to keep pushing forward. 🌟 🎉 Why It Matters: Celebrating each other isn’t just a warm-and-fuzzy exercise—it’s essential: 🚀It fosters a sense of community and belonging. 🚀It motivates us all to reach higher and strive for excellence. 🚀It turns colleagues into cheerleaders, creating a ripple effect of positivity. 🎉 So, let’s fill this comment section with high-fives, virtual confetti, and genuine appreciation! Who are you celebrating today? Tag them below! 👇 #FridayVibes #TeamSpirit #CelebrateTogether

Happy New Month??? Going into a new month, we wish others a "Happy New Month," and are often wished same. Wishing people a Happy New Month has become more like a reflex. We say it by default, without the consciousness of what a Happy New Month truly is... Having an indeed "Happy New Month" goes beyond the paparazzi of wishing and being wished. What would you do differently this month to ensure that it's not just another page on the calendar? How can you make it better than the previous months and perhaps the best month you've ever lived? Go beyond "wishing," to "living" a Happy New Month!" For me, in this new month, I'm committing to prioritizing self-care, eating healthy, having a good work-life balance, setting clearer goals, and building stronger connections. What about you? What would you do differently to make this month a Happy New Month? Perhaps you could inspire me to add to my list - Yesss, copying is allowed 😂😁😂 Here's to a March filled with purpose, positivity, endless possibilities, and marching forward 🚀 And yeah, before I forget - HAPPY NEW MONTH 😁😁😁 #happynewmonth #newbeginnings #happiness

🎉 Celebrating Great Times: Embracing Joy, Connection, and Memorable Moments! 🌟 Hello LinkedIn Community! 👋 Today, let's take a moment to celebrate the great times – those joyful, memorable moments that bring us together and make life extraordinary. Join me in embracing the power of great times, and let's share our stories of happiness, connection, and celebration! 🎊✨ 🌈 Embracing Joy and Positivity: Great times are all about embracing joy and positivity. Whether it's a significant achievement at work, a personal milestone, or a simple moment of laughter with friends, let's cherish these experiences that add color and vibrancy to our lives. The more we focus on the positive, the more we attract it into our daily routines. 🎊 Creating Memorable Moments: It's not always about grand events; sometimes, it's the little moments that create the best memories. A spontaneous coffee chat with a colleague, a team lunch, or a surprise celebration for someone's success – these moments build camaraderie and strengthen relationships. Make time for moments that matter, and watch them become cherished memories. 🤝 Fostering Connection and Togetherness: Great times often involve connecting with others and fostering a sense of togetherness. Whether it's collaborating on a project, attending a team-building event, or simply sharing stories with colleagues, these interactions enrich our lives and create a sense of community. Let's prioritize connection and celebrate the people who make our journeys special. 🌱 Reflecting on Gratitude: Take a moment to reflect on the things you're grateful for – the people, experiences, and opportunities that have shaped your journey. Gratitude not only enhances our appreciation for the great times but also inspires us to create more of them in the future. Share your gratitude with those around you, and watch the positivity ripple outward. 🎉 Share Your Great Times Stories: What are some of your recent great times? Whether it's a work-related success, a personal achievement, or a memorable event, I'd love to hear your stories in the comments below! Let's inspire each other to celebrate the good moments, connect with others, and create more great times in our lives. Together, we make every moment count! 🌟🎊 #GreatTimes #Positivity #Connection #ConnectForSuccess 👨💻

🌟 Happy Friday, everyone! We made it through another week! 🌟 As we wrap up the hustle and bustle of the work week, let’s take a moment to reflect on the journey. We all know that some days can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to get lost in the grind. But here we are, standing together at the finish line of another week, and that’s worth celebrating! 🎉 This week likely had its ups and downs. Maybe you faced unexpected challenges, tackled a difficult project, or navigated tricky conversations. Whatever it was, remember that each experience has shaped us and contributed to our growth. It’s in the moments of struggle that we often find our greatest strength and resilience. 💪 As we head into the weekend, let’s take a breath and acknowledge our efforts. It’s okay to feel tired; it’s a sign that you’ve been pushing your limits and striving for success. Use this time to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with what brings you joy. Remember, it’s not just about the destination but the journey we share along the way.  Wishing you all a restful and rejuvenating weekend! Here’s to celebrating our wins and looking forward to new possibilities next week!  #HappyFriday #WeMadeIt #ReflectAndRecharge #Resilience #WeekendVibes #CompassionateRepresentation #ProtectYourLegacy #FightingForFathers #QCCustodyQueen #YourFamilyIsMyPriority

🌟 Weekly Gratitude Reflection🌟     Good morning, everyone!     I hope you’ve all had a great week. As always, I’d like to take a moment to share my gratitude and invite you to do the same.   Let’s start with a quote to inspire us:   "Gratitude is the key to a strong and successful team. When we appreciate each other's contributions, we build trust and achieve greatness together." — Simon Sinek   Feel free to share your reflections in the comments—I really enjoy reading your messages! If you’d rather keep your thoughts to yourself, that’s perfectly fine too. Whether you do this mentally or not at all, the choice is yours.     Here’s what I’m grateful for this week:   - Daily support from Doreen Prakash on so many different topics. I don’t take it for granted, so… THANK YOU!   - Welcoming my elf back home with his brother. It’s bringing so much fun and joy for the kids, even if they aren’t little anymore. Honestly, I think they’re indulging their mum’s need for a bit of festive fun 😂.   - A lovely virtual catch-up with Ayesha Peiris and the Digital Associates team. I loved learning fun facts about each team member - thank you for being comfortable to share with the team! Gratitude and positivity are essential for building a strong, supportive community. 🙏 I encourage you to share your own highlights, and together, let’s continue to uplift one another by celebrating our successes and expressing thanks.   To sum up my week, I’ve chosen a NAB "Who We Are" behaviour : "We win together." It’s a reminder that our collective efforts lead to success. I’m grateful for the unwavering support and teamwork I’ve experienced this week. It truly shows how much we can accomplish when we come together as one team.   Wishing everyone a wonderful day and a restful weekend ahead! #Gratitude #GratitudeReflections #NABWellbeing #PositiveAttitude #WorkLifeBalance #PositiveWorkplace #NABGratitude #NABCulture #WhoWeAre

Last week, I celebrated my birthday far from home. As an international student, special days like this can be particularly challenging—nostalgia hits differently, and what once felt joyful and festive can sometimes feel lonely. This year, it started as just another busy day. But at lunchtime, my advisor surprised me with a "Happy Birthday" sign and snacks in the student office. We paused our work to gather, sing happy birthday, and share a small celebration. That thoughtful gesture transformed what could have been a nostalgic work day into one of joy and gratitude. This experience highlighted something important: the impact of thoughtfulness in the workplace. Simple moments of recognition—whether it’s celebrating a birthday, acknowledging an achievement, or offering support—aren’t just about kindness. They create a sense of belonging, boost morale, and remind people that they are valued not just for what we do, but for who we are. For me, that small act of celebration replaced feelings of homesickness with gratitude and connection, leaving me feeling supported and appreciated. That sense of belonging, in turn, helped me refocus, collaborate, and contribute more effectively. A thoughtful and supportive work environment isn’t just uplifting for individuals—it’s a catalyst for productivity, creativity, and team cohesion. In the rush of our fast-paced workdays, we should not underestimate the power of small gestures. Kindness and thoughtfulness are not just good for people—they create lasting positive effects, fostering loyalty, engagement, and better outcomes for everyone involved. Little things matter. Being thoughtful matters. And it makes all the difference.

Did you know today was #Internationaldayofhappiness It got me thinking 🤔 I know dangerous! How often do we really think about what makes us happy? Both in the personal and professional sense? Every year I start the year thinking about what the goals are, I am intentional about my process, and I review on a quarterly and monthly basis. For me, experiences bring the biggest level of happiness. From attending live events both in a business and personal sense. Holidays and breaks with my loved ones. Helping our clients to curate memorable moments and experiences throughout the year for their colleagues, valued clients and loved ones features highly on my gratitude list. I know how important creating memories that last are. When all is said and done, these moments in time really do matter. So my question for you today is, what makes you happy, and what are you doing this year to make sure you sprinkle your year with experiences that count? #experiences #events #makingmemories #momentsmatter

Christmas Adventures (as my son calls them) have officially started! Yesterday, we went to Ely Cathedral’s Christmas Fair with my folks, and of course, we had our traditional ride on the carousel.🎠 This year, he was feeling brave and hopped on a horse with me—a first! It got me reflecting… leadership can feel a lot like being on a carousel sometimes. You’re spinning with purpose (most of the time), but it’s easy to get caught up in the motion and lose sight of where you’re heading. Here’s what that ride reminded me about leadership: 1️⃣ Step off to reflect—regularly. It’s fundamental to pause the ride, even briefly, to check in with yourself, your team, and your direction. Reflection isn’t about quitting; it’s about gaining clarity so you can rejoin with purpose. Those regular pauses keep the journey meaningful and heading in the right direction. 2️⃣ Look for the joy (yes, even in the ups and downs). Leadership can be demanding, but there’s joy to be found if you’re willing to look for it. Celebrate the small wins, appreciate the progress, and take pride in the moments where you and your team shine—even if the ride is bumpy. If you can’t find joy, what needs to change? 3️⃣ Stay centered. Carousels spin because they’re fixed at the center, and leadership is no different. Your values, vision and mindset are fundamental. They are the handrail—the thing you hold on to when everything feels like it’s spinning too fast. They keep you grounded, focused, and moving with purpose. Here’s the thing: when I was leading a legal team, I wasn’t properly centered in my vision. I wasn’t holding on to my handrail. And the spinning got so bad, it ended in burnout. It took time to rebuild and refocus, but that experience taught me how vital it is to stay anchored in what matters most. Leadership isn’t about avoiding the spinning—it’s about steering through it. So, how do you stay centered as a leader? How do you help your team pause, reflect, and find joy in their work? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts. [video of and adult and child (us) smiling and laughing and enjoying a large traditional carousel ride. You can see the horses moving up and down, round and round and glimpses of the surrounding area] . . . #highperformance #law #legal #stressless #leadershipisacaurousel #burnout #mentalhealth

🌍✨ 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆! 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝟱 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝘂𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲... Gratitude fosters positive relationships, enhances well-being, and creates a supportive and collaborative environment. It's not just about saying thanks—it's about recognizing and appreciating the contributions of those around us. Here are five simple ideas you could foster this week: 1️⃣ 🗯️ 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺: At this week's team meeting, suggest that you take a 5-10 minute "warm shower". This will give the team time to express gratitude to each other in front of the group. We do this popcorn-style: whoever is ready to speak can start and say who and what they are grateful for. 2️⃣ 🎁 𝗔𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: You can also show gratitude through small gestures. A colleague likes that one coffee 5 minutes from the office? Why not bring it with you, for no particular reason, as a surprise and simply as a sign of gratitude. Or ask yourself who in the team you haven't offered help to for a long time and simply ask them. 3️⃣ 📬 𝗢𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹: Write a small message on a piece of paper and hand it to your colleague. Alternatively, you can do this as a team format where everyone gets a mailbox (envelope with name) and everyone writes little notes with the reason for their gratitude and drops them in their colleagues' mailboxes. When the time is up, everyone gets their mailbox to read through and take home. 4️⃣ ✨ 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗼𝘂𝘀: Find a system that reminds you several times this week to express spontaneous gratitude. Use the moment after a meeting, while you are walking to the next room with a colleague or when you say goodbye at the end of the day - share what you are grateful for. 5️⃣ 🪞 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Instead of telling others why you are grateful to them, you can also take time for self-reflection this week. What are you grateful for? Write it down, and if it's good for you, there are also small apps for regular mirroring. 👉 𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗻? #WorldGratitudeDay #Gratitude #PositiveCulture #Appreciation #ThankYou #WellBeing #Teamwork