I remember last year, Lyn asked me what my strengths were. I sat there thinking for a few minutes and I really had no answer for her. It was easy to list my weaknesses or deficits, but not strengths. This is the same sort of exercise, just tweaked a little. Today the question is: List 9 major successes
Hard, huh…makes your brain all scrunch up thinking about it! How many can you list before you start to feel uncomfortable “celebrating” yourself? Shall I go first?
First half: Birth to 20
- Age 13: Drew a picture of Christopher Columbus winning the Governors award and then did a tour of the USA before being sent to Italy with other student’s drawings to celebrate Columbus Day.
- Age 17: got a medals in a Flute Competition, solo and duet.
- Age 18: Applied and was accepted into a summer Urban outreach program to help renovate housing for low income families.
Second Half: age 21-40
- Age 20-21: Double majored, worked 3 jobs, and graduated with honors.
- Age 21: Managed a Boutique
- Age 25: Completed M.A. in Art History
- Age 27: Inventoried over 1000 African artifacts and art at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and created catalog system for them.
- Age 30: Began my own pastry business, Lokum Pastries, and donated 25% of proceeds to help women in Africa. Total donations exceed $3000.
- Age 33: Gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, naturally w no drugs!
- Age 37: filed for divorce and came out healthier on the other side
- Age 38: Published a book.
- Age 39: Went back to School and completed course to be a Life Coach
- Age: 40: Created an online store to sell my home made products.
WOOHOO! I got to 10! I exceeded expectations! 😉
Ok…what’s next to do…Create a Victory Log, Display Success Symbols, and the Mirror Exercise. This is one full chapter that will take some time to implement!
Victory Log: I have yet to start this but will incorporate it into my Gratitude journal. So many different logs, journals, lists become daunting and then things don’t get done.
Display Success Symbols: I do have a little bowl in my kitchen where I cook that are visual reminders for me. Maybe not exactly symbols of Success means to most, but they are my symbols.
The Mirror Exercise: This is a daily “Yahoo!” to yourself at the end of the day. Standing in front of the mirror at the end of the night being your own personal cheerleader is a bit uncomfortable at first and makes you self conscious. As uncomfortable as it is, if you are not tooting your own horn and proud of yourself, how can you expect others to? You are how you talk to yourself! If you are always negative, then you will focus on the negative. By acknowledging your WINS and success, you train your brain to focus more positively and add value to your achievements.
There is a lot to work with in this principle before moving forward into the week. Take it slow and I will see you on the other side!