How to Give Yourself Some Credit

This is a good thing to do when you're feeling down on yourself, or when you're overwhelmed by how much there is to do in life. Simply make a "have done" list. This can be in place of or in addition to a "to do" list. You may be amazed at how many things you've done that you take for granted. Either way, it will remind you how much you have accomplished, while jump starting your motivation so you can do even more!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer or pen and paper

1. 
    

   Make a short term "have done" list. What have you already done today? Even if you just made it through work without punching anyone, write it down! Making light of your funky mood is actually a good way to get out of that mood. Make yourself laugh and let it go.
   
   Write down anything you would normally put on a to do list, if you've already done it. Also write down anything you want to remember about the day and have gratitude for.
   
   Some ideas:
   - Didn't break the alarm clock
   - Did household chores
   - Ran errands
   - Made phone calls
   - Appointments
   - Work or homework
   - Made it to the gym
   - Ate healthy
   - Did something creative
   - Had a good talk with a friend
   - Pet a cute kitten
   - Heard a great song
   - Did something courageous
   - Made some kind of breakthrough
   - Helped someone

2. 
    

   Make a long term "have done" list. Start with anything that comes to mind. Learning to walk and talk are pretty big accomplishments if you think about it. So are getting through high school, college, learning to drive, finding a job, getting married. These may be things that a lot of people do, but that doesn't mean they should be taken for granted. You still did the work to get there, and there are unique struggles in each of these that you made it through.
   
   Here are a few more ideas:
   
   - Made good friends
   - Forgave someone
   - Stopped a bad habit
   - Learned a skill
   - Got hired, promoted, or started a business
   - Made it through a hard time
   - Learned about a subject/ self/ the world
   - Finished a project
   - Faced a fear
   - Stood up for self
   - Acted selflessly
   - Made a good decision
   - Became a better person
   - Started a family
   - Did something good for the planet

3. 
    

   When you make a "to do" list, include items like "have gratitude," "relax," "appreciate myself and others," etc.

4. Make a "have done" list periodically, so you can stop and commend yourself once in awhile. It's a nice break from always feeling like there's a never ending train of things that need to be done. It could also help someone else to make a "have done" list for them when they seem overwhelmed or down.

[Sush56]

on 9/19/2008 Nicely written article...inspirational too.

[DUSTYMILLS]

on 8/21/2008 I agree wholeheartily with you on this one.....thanks for the encouragement.