I am here to remind you to stop making light of your career achievements and take credit for what you’ve done
- “Oh, it was not a big deal.”
- “That feels so natural for me, I didn’t have to think about it.”
- “I can do that with my eyes closed and one hand behind my back.”
Any of these statement above sound familiar to you?
These are the phrases many of us default to when discussing our accomplishments.
The modest brush-off, the casual downplay, the habitual deflection.
But let’s be real—these are more than just words. They’re missed opportunities, moments when we let our achievements fade into the background instead of shining a spotlight on them.
Why do we do this?
Maybe it’s humility, maybe it’s fear of appearing boastful, or maybe we genuinely believe that what we did wasn’t a big deal. But here’s the truth: Your achievements are a big deal. They are the milestones that map your professional journey.
They are the evidence of your skills, your perseverance, your unique contributions. And they are the catalysts for your next level of success.
Don’t sit on your life and career achievements.
They are powerful motivators and reminders of your capabilities and strengths in any situation or circumstance.
Embrace them, celebrate them, and use them to propel yourself forward.
It’s not just the earth-shattering accomplishments that matter.
Often, it’s the everyday victories, the subtle triumphs, and the behind-the-scenes wins that truly define our professional identity.
So, where do you start?
How do you begin to take credit for what you’ve done? Here are some sources to jog your memory about past achievements:
1. Company’s Annual Performance Reviews, Assessments, or Evaluations:
These documents are gold mines of accomplishments.
They contain detailed accounts of your performance, highlighting your strengths and contributions.
Dive into these reviews, extract the praise and the recognition, and let them remind you of your impact.
2. Company-Sponsored Awards or Special Recognition Tokens:
You didn’t earn that award by accident.
Whether it’s Employee of the Month, a service award, or any other form of recognition, there’s a reason behind it.
Reflect on what you did to earn that award and the qualities that set you apart.
3. Letters of Recommendations or Commendations from Previous Employers, Vendors, Clients, or Colleagues:
These letters are testimonials of your work ethic, skills, and achievements. They are written proof that others have seen and appreciated your contributions.
Revisit these letters and let them serve as a reminder of your worth.
4. Thank You Letters or Emails from Happy, Satisfied Company Clients:
When clients take the time to write thank you notes, it’s because you made a difference.
These letters are usually specific about how you helped them and the positive impact you had.
Use these as evidence of your ability to deliver results.
5. High-Profile Company Projects or Special Assignments:
Think about the complexities of these projects, your role in them, and the outcomes.
- What challenges did you overcome?
- What solutions did you implement?
- What results did you achieve?
These are significant achievements that showcase your problem-solving skills and leadership.
Now, let’s get specific. What are your top five achievements for this year?
Take a moment to reflect and write them down. Don’t just think about the big wins—consider the smaller, yet equally important, victories.
- Did you lead a successful project?
- Did you mentor a colleague?
- Did you introduce a new process that improved efficiency?
Remember that these achievements matter.
Once you’ve identified your top achievements, own them.
Talk about them with confidence.
Share them in your resume, during interviews, and in professional conversations.
By taking credit for what you’ve done, you’re not just acknowledging your past successes—you’re building a strong foundation for future opportunities.
So, stop making light of your career achievements.
Embrace them, celebrate them, and let them shine. Your career is a journey, and every achievement is a step forward.
Take credit for what you’ve done, and use it as a springboard to reach even greater heights.
