What are you proud of?

I used to see the Column of Marcus Aurelius from my balcony in Rome. The beautiful majestic statue depicts the story of his last battle in the Danube and serves as a powerful visual reminder of success, victory and achievement.

It might be a bit of a stretch to compare a column depicting a gruesome battle to positive psychology, but I am going to do it anyway: the idea of identifying and recording one’s successes and achievements.

Countries and cities do it to help build collective belief. As keys figures in my career Graham Jones and Adrian Moorhouse advocate, it is also an important part of building self belief. Self worth is not just based on one’s last success but is based on one’s whole life experience.

Based on their suggestions, set aside time to think and write down what you are proud of in your life: your achievements, your successes, tangible and intangible. For each of those, identify what it is about you (your beliefs, values, attitude, skills, behaviours) that made each of those successes and achievements possible.

An example

In our coaching session, a client agreed to give it a go. She started with said “my command of English”. I ask her what made it possible that she had such a great command of English.  She talks about starting young, travelling, looking for opportunities, choosing to read in English, choosing to watch films in English, choosing to look for opportunities.

In doing so, her actions and qualities became clear.  It is easy to see her agency, determination, discipline, fearlessness, learning mindset, communication skills, interest in others and passion for her own development and evolution. These qualities she owns. They are hers.  Even more to be proud of.

Use this tool liberally

Use this tool with your team. With the whole company.

Look at what you have written. What are the themes ? What are your enduring qualities? How do you feel when you look at the list?

Keep what you have written. Refer to it when you are faced with new challenges – it will serve as a reminder of your intrinsic self worth. Especially if you marinate in those positive thoughts and qualities you hold.  Let your body remember them!