Do You Recognize Your Own Accomplishments?

We’re two weeks away from the end of 2012. What kind of year has it been for you? Have you accomplished all of your goals? What were those wonderful things that have happened to you during the past twelve months?

It is human nature to tend to have a sharper memory toward what we have not accomplished as opposed to what we have gotten done. We’re more likely to remember the negative things that happened in our life, than the positive. That is a tendency which is unfortunate. Because over the course of twelve months for a large majority of people both things for which they are pleased and things for which they are disappointed do happen. For example, perhaps this was the year you obtained a new job. Or perhaps you entered into a new relationship with a special someone. Maybe you were able to grow your business to a greater level than the previous year. Did you buy that new home you were hoping to find, or sell that property that you have been looking to move from for some time?

Whatever it is that you have accomplished, did you take the time to recognize and acknowledge yourself for it? If you haven’t, you’re actually not that different to many people. A trait I often see in working with my clients is that while they’re on the path to a long range goal, they never stop to acknowledge the steps they’ve accomplished on the way toward that goal. For example, maybe they did not find that job they were hoping for this year, but they put in a lot of work to learn more about their field of interest and continued to grow their list of contacts in that profession. That is progress. It likely has them a lot further than when they started their search. However, if they take the philosophy that I’ll only recognize the accomplishment when I actually get the new job, they’re cheating themselves out of acknowledging the gains they have made during their journey.

We’re in the midst of the time of year when we look to find that perfect gift for others. That sentiment is truly special. However, the best gift we can often give ourselves is to acknowledge we are doing the best we can, and that we’re truly making progress on our goals. Whether that acknowledgement is to recognize ourselves with a small pleasure or just to spend a few minutes reflecting on that sense of accomplishment in terms of what we have gained, we owe that to ourselves.

For me, it was a year that I felt I became a better and more confident coach in my business. That is reflected in the wide variety of clients I was able to serve and the various topic areas I helped them to work through. I sold a property that I had spent the better part of the last two years getting ready for sale. I was fortunate to lead a successful chapter of the International Coaching Federation in my state. I was able to take three very special trips with my wife. Our marriage of three years continues to grow stronger every day.

Remember the things that you do well, and that go well for you, don’t necessarily have to go that way. You have the choice to give them the attention that you wish, or you can just hope they work out well but not put the proper time and attention toward them. As 2012 is winding down, if you have been finding you have been hard on yourself lately for the things that have happened in your life, take time to stop and pause. I’m sure there are accomplishments or steps forward indeed for you to acknowledge. They are your springboard for moving forward into 2013.