Yay-Me File: Acknowledge Yourself

April 16, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Back in the day, when I was younger and still had that minty-fresh smell, I had a boss who turned me on to the “yay-me” file. I still keep one, and it works so well I encourage my direct reports to do the same. The basic idea is simple: you just keep a file of good stuff you do.

I really like this idea from Slacker! I can be a great way to acknowledge yourself and access your most positive resource state.

So often I work with coaching clients who are striving hard to perform and are hyper self-critical. They get into a groove where it is easy to find fault with themselves and difficult to recognize what they have done well. Unknowingly they also project their negative self-judgement onto co-workers, which limits their ability to enjoy collaboration and harmonious working relationships. And their focus on only the negative erodes their self-estemm and self-confidence making it difficult to rebound from failure of disappointment and maintain their optimism.

An antidote to self-criticism is conscious self-acknowledgement. Try recognizing yourself for the good you do…And the positive way you are being! You can make notes about the tasks you have accomplished but don’t forget to note things about your way of being like: “I managed my fear in the meeting today and was able to see some benefits in the new changes.” And, “I didn’t lose it with that difficult customer today and was able to eliminate a problem.” Or, “I was able to inspire my team to rise above a challenge today and really create synergy.”

Yes, you may be able to use your Yay-Me file in your performance review, but the greatest value may be to remind you of your own gifts and the good you do in the world! Take a few minutes today to acknowledge yourself.Enjoy,

Joseph

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emotional intelligence, Work, self-esteem, acknowlegement