Remember the effort behind the milestone, including the people who made room for it.

Milestones present themselves as single moments, and the moment hides the years. Behind a degree, a promotion or a finished house are hundreds of ordinary evenings, and usually several people who took on more so that those evenings were available. They rarely appear in the photograph.

Take a few minutes at the next milestone to recall what it actually took, including the dull parts. Then thank the person who covered for you, specifically and out loud. If you are watching someone else arrive, ask about the middle rather than only the finish.