I document my achievements regularly, why?

I have an OneNote file that I regularly write down my achievements from my career. Last week I took a look into the past and have found 24 success stories in 11 years. This is my personal book of success. I’m happy about it, taking advantage of this behavior and recommend you to do so.

Why?

In the relentless pursuit of professional success, individuals often overlook the significance of documenting their achievements. Whether it’s onboarding a new client, completing a challenging project, or acquiring a new skill, these accomplishments are the building blocks of a successful career trajectory. Yet, without proper documentation, they risk being forgotten or undervalued. In this article, I'll dive deep into the reasons why writing down achievements is not just beneficial but essential for fostering career growth.

1. Reflection and Recognition

Documenting achievements allows individuals to reflect on their journey, acknowledging the milestones they’ve reached and the challenges they’ve overcome. This reflective practice not only boosts confidence but also provides a sense of fulfillment and motivation to pursue further goals. Moreover, having a tangible record of achievements enables individuals to showcase their capabilities during performance evaluations, job interviews, or networking opportunities, garnering recognition for their hard work and expertise.

During my 100+ interviews, I realized that even senior candidates can’t remember a sufficient number of examples from their career. It's not about they didn't have these examples, because details about the past are not remembered and obsolete achievements seem to have lost their importance. This is a mistake.

2. Goal Setting and Progress Tracking

Writing down achievements serves as a roadmap for setting future goals and tracking progress. By analyzing past successes, individuals can identify areas for improvement and set realistic objectives aligned with their career aspirations. This proactive approach not only enhances productivity but also fosters a sense of direction and purpose in your professional journey. Additionally, tracking achievements over time provides a visual representation of progress, offering reassurance during moments of doubt or stagnation.

3. Evidence of Impact and Value

In today’s competitive job market, employers seek candidates who can demonstrate tangible results and contributions. By documenting achievements, individuals provide concrete evidence of their skills, accomplishments, and the value they bring to an organization. Whether it’s increasing revenue, improving efficiency, or driving innovation, these documented achievements serve as compelling narratives of your professional impact, setting them apart from other candidates and enhancing their marketability.

4. Enhanced Communication and Collaboration

Sharing documented achievements with colleagues, mentors, or supervisors fosters a culture of transparency, collaboration, and knowledge sharing within an organization. By celebrating individual and team successes, organizations can boost morale, strengthen camaraderie, and inspire others to strive for excellence. Furthermore, discussing achievements can lead to valuable insights, feedback, and opportunities for collaboration, enriching the learning experience and driving collective growth.

5. Personal Branding and Reputation Building

In an increasingly digital world, personal branding has become essential for career advancement and networking. Documenting achievements provides content for building a compelling personal brand across professional platforms such as LinkedIn, portfolios, or personal websites. By showcasing their expertise, accomplishments, and thought leadership, individuals can attract opportunities, establish credibility, and expand their professional network. Moreover, a strong online presence enhances visibility and opens doors to new career prospects, partnerships, or speaking engagements.

6. Cultivation of Confidence and Resilience

Documenting achievements cultivates a sense of confidence, resilience, and self-belief in your abilities. By acknowledging their successes, individuals build a positive self-image and develop the resilience to overcome setbacks or challenges. Moreover, reflecting on past achievements during moments of adversity provides perspective and reassurance, reminding individuals of their capacity to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. This confidence and resilience are invaluable assets in navigating the complexities of a dynamic and competitive work environment.

In conclusion, documenting achievements is not just a task but a strategic investment in your professional development and career growth. By capturing and celebrating successes, individuals gain clarity, recognition, and confidence in their abilities, laying the foundation for future accomplishments. Whether it’s for personal reflection, professional advancement, or brand building, the act of writing down achievements empowers individuals to own their narrative, stand out in a crowded marketplace, and chart a course towards a fulfilling and successful career journey.

Looking at my examples from the notes

• I have one example from 8 years ago, about where I worked on a supply chain issue. This was when I gained core muscles for working with multiple stakeholders
• Another one is about a consensus between a platform and a vendor, there was an invoicing issue and it had a brutal impact on my company's cash flow. I remember we learned by heart the Turkish e-invoicing and tax system. After 6 years I still need these learnings time to time and it's still being an unblocker
• My last example is about a contract renewal of a client who had a churn risk. If failed actually, but it made me convinced myself that I can try 6 different tactics before I give up - this is my record so far