[2023-04-05] A year of accomplishments
I love systems that help me to focus on what I've decided is important to me. One such system is my Accomplishments log.
A year ago, I started keeping track of what I accomplished in a day. Every day since then, I've noted actions that furthered one of my priorities, such as learning, spending time with family and friends, or taking care of my health.
Not all the systems I create stand the test of time, but this one has. Writing down what I accomplish is self-affirming, reminding me of what I have done when it would be easy to focus on what I haven't finished. Noting the new recipes I've tried, whether I would make them again and what modifications I would make in future is useful when I contemplate repeating them. Tracking everyday occurrences, such as when I planted seeds and seedlings in the garden, is interesting. A year ago today, for example, I wrote: "Cleaned up the deck and set up the café." There's no chance of doing that today, as we are in the midst of a spate of freezing rain. The café will have to wait a bit.
Most online references to accomplishments logs are about keeping a record of professional achievements. However, one article looked at both personal and professional triumphs: Success Logs–Are You Tracking Your Success? This piece, from the International Association of Women, states:
With a success log, you can track the things that you accomplish, the achievements you reach, and the effort that will help motivate you to further and future success.
The article makes several valuable observations. By documenting daily realizations, you highlight items that might otherwise go unnoticed. You can think of a success log as a "reverse to-do list"—focusing on what you've done as opposed to what you have yet to do. Tracking your successes helps you to identify what makes you happy and therefore what you might want to do more of. By noting what you had to work hard to achieve, including any challenges along the way, you are better positioned to replicate success in the future. The article continues:
It sounds simple, but that little nugget—the ability to look back and see what you did three months ago to successfully close a deal or get your inbox to zero—can be immensely valuable. It’s a learning tool, and more importantly, when you are feeling dejected and overwhelmed, it’s a motivational tool.
My accomplishments log serves one other important function: it enables me to congratulate myself on doing things I'm proud of, such as going for a long walk or finishing my income tax return. It's as Mark Twain said: "If you can't get a compliment any other way, pay yourself one."
