8 Comments

I appreciate your articles Loleen... and this one in particular. I did something similar a few years back.

Rather than making a New Year's Resolution, I made a list of all the things that I accomplished in the past year. Having a daily or monthly list, such as mentioned in your article, certainly facilitates the process. The first time, I made a list going way back in time. It was an amazing feeling, one that left me feeling invigorated and gave me that dopamine feeling similar to the post-walk/run/swim elation.

Getting that natural high, it gave me the opportunity to reflect on how I got through all those challenges. What worked? What didn't? How did I adjust? (I now thinking about your prior article on adjustments.) This 'Accomplishments' tactic can be useful at anytime. When daunted with a new challenge, I think, "I got through it in the past and I will get through this one also!"

Taking this opportunity to wish you a wonderful festive season and all the best in 2023! Glenna Proud PhD Candidate JSGS

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I love this approach, Glenna - thanks for sharing it!

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I like this idea. I've been writing daily logs this semester but they have been more functional 'i did this' lists than what you are describing. I started writing them as I'd get to the end of a week, know that I'd been really busy but not sure what exactly I'd been doing day to day. The addition of the 'small wins' would give it a bit more of a 'yay me!' vibe which would be a nice morale boost.

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If you try it, please let me know what you think, Rachel! I find it so helpful myself. :-)

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Reporting back to say I am finding this tweak to my daily logs so helpful. Finding the 'small wins' (and there is always at least one) means I finish even those sat-in-front-of-a-screen-all-day-s on a high point.

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Thanks for the follow up, Rachel! I sometimes have to really search for a win, but there is always one there. :-)

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Is your daily planner a paper version? Just thinking of best place I can catch these little wins to look back over.

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I use a paper planner. I really like the act of writing things by hand!

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