Warmth in the Dead of Winter

Kick off the year by recognizing early wins and keeping morale moving.

January in Canada has its own energy — subzero mornings, grey skies, and the collective realization that winter isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. For many teams, especially in the North, this is when motivation dips. Not because the work is hard (it always is), but because the runway to spring feels long.

One thing that makes a surprising difference? Celebrating early wins. Even modest ones. A project that’s finally unblocked. A customer relationship that strengthened. A process that improved. A team that pulled together in the coldest weeks of the year.

Spot bonuses, gift cards, or even a simple public thank-you can inject momentum into a month where everyone’s energy is running on reserves. When leaders acknowledge progress early, teams feel seen — and that warmth carries further than we think.

How do you recognize early wins to combat the January slump? Share what works on your side.

#LeadInTheCold #MotivationInWinter #EarlyWinsMatter #LeadershipInPractice #TeamMomentum