Why You Should Document Your Wins This Year
How Tracking My Wins Helped Me Grow
Two years ago my New Year’s resolution was to document my wins, big and small. It’s made a lasting impact.
But the truth is, for the purposes of this exercise, big and small wins aren’t equal.
The big wins, as you can imagine, aren’t forgettable. At the end of the year you won’t need to remind yourself that you got a promotion, had a baby, or took a big trip.
The small wins are more illusive.
That presentation that you nailed that multiple people sent you private notes about. Watching your son laugh hysterically when you crinkle a water bottle. Getting upgraded to business class because you started a nice conversation with the flight attendant–these wins can slip through the cracks.
Don’t let them.
How Tracking My Wins Helped Me Grow
Keeping a running list of wins does more than a few things for you.
It Fills You With Gratitude
First, it fills you with gratitude.
If you’ve ever done a gratitude practice in your journal, you know that it can get a little repetitive unless you force yourself to be creative. It’s not uncommon to find yourself thanking, and rethanking, the same few people in your life over and over again.
Tracking your wins opens up a creative outlet. And it keeps you looking for all kinds of wins.
It filled me with gratitude, it made me aware of how lucky I am, and it kept me looking for more wins. As they stack up, you’ll realize you have a lot to be grateful for.
It Reestablishes a Physical Writing Practice
Many of us have switched from physical writing to digital writing. And there’s nothing wrong with that (heck, I’m doing it right now). But there’s something to be said about physically writing down your wins on paper.
In my experience, it connects you with your wins. The slow, methodical process of writing out your wins, and getting specific about the event or situation, really reinforces the event in your memory.
I keep mine in an old Moleskine planner I found at a thrift shop, and it’s become near and dear to me. You could easily setup a Notion folder or Google Doc to keep track of your wins on the go, but I’d still recommend transfering those notes onto paper at the end of the day.
Your Mood Will Improve
Asking yourself what went right today puts you in a good mood, there’s no question about it. It’s hard not to feel proud when you pass over 50 things that have gone well for you this year–especially when you realize it’s only February.
As the year goes on, you’re going to feel a little bit of joy every single time you open up that notebook and peruse past your yearly wins. I guarantee you’ll catch yourself re-reading the list at least a few times a month. The feeling you’ll get is borderline addicting.
Try It For Yourself
Don’t believe me? Give it a go this year. You won’t regret it. Your first win will be setting it up.