Write an achievement list to give your self-esteem a boost

Personal achievements, big and small, are something that we should all take time to recognise as a wonderful way to build up self-esteem.

Everyone has days feeling as though we can’t do anything right, feeling incapable of doing what we need to – but how many days do we smash it out of the park only to forget about what we managed to do.

Stopping and taking the time to remember personal achievements is a good way to build ourselves up so that, should a feeling of hopelessness strike, we have an easy reminder of just what we are capable of.

Write a daily achievement list

We have gratitude journals, so why not achievement journals? Why not shift the focus and ask yourself what are the things that you have achieved, big and small, that you could focus your mind on to remind you how amazing you are to help raise your self-esteem?

Taking inspiration from Chris Williams of Live, Love, Laugh & Learn, who shared how his son used his time travelling to an interview to write an achievement list rather than sit and worry about what was to come. What a fantastic way to build confidence.

“Small daily improvements over time lead to stunning results.”
Robin Sharma

What does achievement mean?

The dictionary definition of achievement is:

noun

1. a thing done successfully with effort, skill, or courage.
   “to reach this stage is a great achievement”
2. the process or fact of achieving something.
   “the achievement of professional recognition”

But does an achievement actually have to be done with effort, skill or courage to qualify as an achievement? Move the goal posts a bit to get started and make it easier to identify your achievements. You could include such things as:

• Being alive! – That’s got to be a celebration, right?! Our bodies achieve so much every day, as our hearts beat and our lungs help us to breathe. It is amazing what our bodies can do;
• Being able to speak and growing your vocabulary every day;
• Being able to sit up, stand up, walk, run, hop, skip, jump and even spin around!
• Learning to ride a bike;
• Scooting on a scooter;
• Kicking a ball;
• Throwing a ball;
• Stopping and starting at will;
• Getting up, washed, dressed and ready for the day;
• Going from a baby to a toddler, to a tween to a teen, for some of us even into the world of adulting;
• Being able to read and write;
• Use a phone, send messages, load apps and play games. How many levels have you achieved?
• Tell the time – and make time to do things at certain times.

So many of these things are universal that you don’t even stop to think that you have achieved them. But you have.

Using this as a launch pad to fire up your memory, go on and add all the achievements that you can think of that are personal to you.

“Genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration.”
Thomas Edison

How writing an achievement list can boost self esteem

Every day you achieve so many things but you rush into the next day without taking the time to stop and acknowledge what you have accomplished.

To achieve more, you need to recognise what you have already done. Know that you are capable of so many things. You have amazing qualities that allow you to do these things. If you’re not stopping and acknowledging your achievements, there is a chance that these are being deleted from your conscious awareness. It then becomes all too easy to fall into the trap of thinking you can’t achieve anything, which damages your confidence.

Proactively remembering all the many things that you have achieved delivers a wonderful confidence boost. A real self-worth bonus that you can build on. So, when someone asks what you are proud of, you will be able to answer confidently instead of struggling for an answer.

Start an achievement list

Today, start an achievement list, just go for it – and pledge to write three to five things on it every day for 10 days. It will be easier than you think.

Count these for an easy start:

• Making your bed first thing;
• Catching the bus on time;
• Getting a grade you were happy with;
• Being there for a friend;
• Walking the dog;
• Doing something kind;
• Spending an hour less on your device;
• Updating your CV;
• Making a cuppa for your mum;
• Being early for something;
• Hanging out with a friend;
• Having a positive outlook all day;
• Doing something you’ve never done before;
• Completing an unfinished project;
• Signing up to a free course to learn something new.

If you stick to the plan you will have up to 50 achievements on your list at the end of 10 days. You can, of course, continue to add to that. Maybe choose to be an overachiever and add more than five things a day if you want to, or continue with the list beyond 10 days.

Completing a list of 50 achievements is an achievement in itself. Be proud of it. It is so easy to stop and recognise even the tiniest achievements, so go ahead and enjoy your accomplishments. Let yourself feel good.

“When you set your mind to achieve something, you must allow yourself the opportunity to get it done.”
Tasha Hoggatt

Choose the life you want to lead

Stopping, thinking and writing something down is an excellent way of being mindful. Your achievements deserve remembering for your own good. Don’t forget what you have achieved, which can erode your self-esteem, instead stop, think and write your achievements down. Celebrate being you. If you’re looking for new challenges, inspiration or support – or want to share your achievements – join our online community.

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Enjoy celebrating your own personal goals and achievements this week – you deserve it.