The Value of a Success List

by Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

So Much To Do

As our lives get busy, we feel like we're not accomplishing as much as we should be. Even if you're someone who makes a to-do list, too often, we quickly forget about all those things that are done and focus only on what else we should have accomplished. This is a great way to bring yourself down.

In life in general, and especially during a job search, it's easy to forget everything we managed to get done. Especially during challenging times, it's essential to make a note of what is going well. 

Celebrating Accomplishments

Your successes can be anything. They can be fun things you did, achievements, or accomplishments that made you let out a huge audible sigh of relief that they were finally complete.

​It's really about acknowledging that you did so that you realize that you're not just sitting around NOT ACCOMPLISHING ANYTHING. Instead, it's a reminder of how amazing you are. Chances are when you review your success list, you'll be reminded of even more things to add--and that's really the point. 

My Success List

1. Added 500 new connections on LinkedIn.
2. At long last, saw Footloose and Grease at a drive-in theater.
3. Attended two self-defense classes. 
4. Celebrated "Friendsgiving" and met new people through Meetup.
5. Cleaned my kitchen.
6. Created The Layoff Lady website and social media presence.
7. Donated many bags of clothing and household items to Good Will.
8. Drove through the Rocky Mountains and saw amazing scenery.
9. Filed my first financial aid form as a parent.
10. Finally wore the new cowboy boots I bought just before COVID hit.
11. Found two awesome new lakes with walking paths.
12. Had 28 job interviews.
13. Helped my daughter select a college.
14. Hosted family and friends for my daughter’s high school graduation party.
15. Incorporated yin yoga and stretching into my daily routine.
16. Joined two new training and organizational development groups.
17. Outlined my first book (which covers lessons learned from my seven layoffs.)
18. Played the board game Furnace and actually won.
19. Presented virtual sessions for eight meetings of The White Box Club.
20. Published 20 blog articles on The Layoff Lady website.
21. Relocated from Minneapolis, MN to Omaha, NE.
22. Road-tripped with my daughter for college visits in three states. 
23. Saw The Viagra Boys and Charlie Crockett live in concert (sadly, not together).
24. Sold a house.
25. Switched banks.
26. Visited my favorite board game café, Spielbound.
27. Watched all three Godfather movies in a theater.
28. Went to the rodeo (and wore the aforementioned cowboy boots).
29. Worked out the logistics of mother/daughter movie nights via Zoom.
30. Wrote a daily Facebook post sharing insights from each day of my layoff.

Celebrating Successes Brings More Success

It's incredible, really. Creating a list of accomplishments, whether small, medium, or large, helps so much. When I started, I had a hard time thinking of anything to write. Then, as I got going, it was hard to stop. Taking time regularly to acknowledge positive actions and accomplishments makes all the difference. 

What would you include in your success list? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. 

Learn More

• ​Furnace Board Game
• Ariat Fatbaby Western Boots 
• Spielbound Board Game Cafe in Omaha, NE
• Quasar Drive-In Theater in Valley, NE
• The Layoff Lady's Ultimate Guide To Answering The Question, "I Just Got Laid Off--Now What Do I Do?"​
• The Layoff Lady Book: Seven Lessons From Seven Layoffs: A Guide​