Take Stock of Your Achievements

Written by Karen E. Mosier

Time flies by and things need to get done. Often we don’t take the time to think about everything we have accomplished. Starting a new year is a great time to reflect on the last 12 months and think about all the things that occurred. It is important to keep track of your achievements, even the smaller ones.   

Here are some great ways to take stock of your achievements:

1. Set aside time to review your accomplishments

This will boost your productivity and excitement.

This will also force you think about your goals.

2. Capture specific efforts as well as outcomes

Effort should also be recognized.

Engaging in things that are challenging and outside one’s comfort zone should be acknowledged and rewarded.

3. Ask yourself what accomplishments you are most proud of?

Start with what you did right this year.

Pick out the top big wins accomplished in the last year.

4. Ask yourself what did I learn this year?

What did you learn in the last year in all dimensions of your life.

Lots of experiences that occur outside the workplace can help us to grow.

5. Ask yourself what did I fail at this year?

Failure helps us learn to improve our processes and do things better.

If you aren’t failing, is it a sign that you aren’t trying anything new?

6. Ask yourself how you rate your well-being?

This includes all the measures of health, physical and emotional.

Are you eating right, getting enough exercise and spending time with your family, and taking all your vacation time?

7. Use multiple methods to track your accomplishments

Use a handwritten journal or use an app on your phone or tablet.

Use a voice recorder or write your achievements on a calendar.

You should continually add them to your resume.

8. Use social media to keep track of everything

Create your own website or use LinkedIn to let your colleagues know what you are up to.

Consider other social media options such as Facebook and Twitter to share your awards and accomplishments.

You earned the credit so be quick to share it!

Taking inventory of your accomplishments, no matter how you choose to do it, is important throughout the year. Keeping track of the good things happening around you will boost your productivity and increase your morale. The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on your work performance. You can start by asking yourself the question: How am I doing?

References:

1. Robin. People Sense Consulting. Take Stock of Your Achievements. https://www.peoplesenseconsulting.com/2016/12/19/take-stock-achievements/
2. Tami Forman. Forbes. Take Stock of Personal Achievements With a Year-End Review. https://www.forbes.com/sites/tamiforman/2017/12/05/take-stock-of-personal-achievements-with-a-year-end-review/?sh=3d7cf78e5a8b
3. Ronda Suder. TopResume. How to Track Your Work Accomplishments Throughout the Year. https://ca.topresume.com/career-advice/track-your-wins-throughout-the-year