Reward Yourself

Several years ago, I began the practice of writing my accomplishments at the end of the year. I borrowed the idea from the corporate world.

In many companies, managers are required to submit a list of their accomplishments and objectives annually. This information is used as the basis for performance reviews, raises, and promotions.

The sense of personal satisfaction and encouragement I received after doing this once was so great that it has become a regular weekly practice.

We take so much of what we do for granted, or just shrug it off, saying, "It's no big deal."

We point to the successes, contributions, and accomplishments of others while overlooking all that we, ourselves, have done.

Only after taking the time to list our own accomplishments and activities do we see that we, too, are making a difference.

We realize how much we have actually done in our lives, and this serves to encourage and motivate us to even greater heights.

Why not start making a similar list yourself? What's gone well for you this year already? Include everything you can think of.

Where have you vacationed? What plays, movies, or concerts have you seen or attended? What books have you read? What have you done for and with your family? What have you accomplished in your business? What about personal goals?

What about your health? Have you kept with your new year resolutions? Did you make any? Have you lost weight, began exercising, or started a sport? 

Seeing all you have done will raise your self-esteem and increase the likelihood that you will accomplish even more in the future.

Plus you have probably done much more than you realize. And motivation really is just a state of mind.

When you are satisfied with life, everything seems to fall into place -including your desire to eat healthily and take in exercise!