Many of us that are goal oriented often think about what we’re going to accomplish next. Or, in many cases, it’s simply thinking about what we think we need to do, and how we will organize our time to make it happen. It’s all about the future!
Should it be? Pulling back, I totally believe that we should be able to enjoy the moment and live in the present. Furthermore, I think that it’s also good sometimes to reflect on the past. A great way to do that can be to take stock of our accomplishments, and celebrate our successes!
Many of us have come a long way. Or, at the very least, we have worked hard to accomplish some things that we can be proud of. I’m willing to say that there are different ways that people view these successes. Some people probably dwell on them too much, and live off past success. But there are many others who simply take for granted the things they have done before, and focused on the future because after all, that’s what we can influence. We can’t go back and impact the past!
Nevertheless, I think it can be a great thing to stop for a moment and think through some of the things you have accomplished!
Forget for a moment that you may have had failures too. Let’s think about the good things that you did. These successes could be anything, financial or otherwise. Whatever they may be, they represent really good things that you have done.
Examples of the types of things people accomplish:
- Being the first person in their family to get a college degree
- Getting into a highly rated school or graduate program, after a lot of hard work
- Landing your first full-time job, beating other applicants for the position in a competitive market
- Successfully giving a big, high pressure presentation at work
- Earning that big promotion, after so many months or years of trying to beat expectations at work
- Paying off student loans
- Buying your first condo or house
- Finding your spouse and life partner, and marrying her/him
- Becoming a parent
- Overcoming a major illness
- Overcoming a difficult childhood
- Surviving a divorce
- Improving health by giving up a habit (smoking, soda, etc.)
- Losing a lot of weight
- Getting back in shape
This list of examples illustrates just a few possible accomplishments that people could have had. What is meaningful to each of us is likely unique and personal. We all have accomplished some things that we can be proud of. Let’s stop for a moment to take pride in what we have been able to do, just for the sake of doing it. This doesn’t mean we need to brag – we can simply appreciate these things ourselves.
If we still can’t shake that future-oriented perspective even for a moment, then maybe we can be inspired to achieve future successes since we’ve done it before!
My Questions for You
Do you ever stop to appreciate some of the things you have accomplished in your life?
What are a few of the accomplishments that you’re proud of, but may take for granted?
I am very proud of what I accomplished, but I think I am even prouder of my children’s accomplishments. I am proudest of my children’s success and the small part I played in their success.
krantcents – great message. It’s rewarding, no question. Mine are younger, but things they do are far more impressive to me than what I’ve done. It’s part of being a parent, I suppose.
I went back to school, at 37, after taking care of the children when they were little. Sometimes I forget what an accomplishment that is, less then half my class made it to graduation. My quality of life is much improved as a result. My salary increased three fold, and as I am now going through a difficult divorce, I greatly appreciate that I have the ability to support myself!
Great for you that you took the initiative to do this. It seems like you’ve really helped your future.
I do take the time to stop and smell the roses. I’m proud of where we are financially and socially and try not to take anything for granted although some days are better than others.