During my life it has never failed to astound me just how much people underestimate, fail to treasure, or even remember the successes that they have achieved in their lives.



Each and every one of us has had successes; however too often we either don't see them for what they are or, if we do acknowledge them at the time, we soon forget. On a bad day we can feel that we never achieve anything at all, or doubt ourselves and our abilities.

When you have achieved something, treasure it forever. Find a way of making a trophy to remember it. You could put a photo of it up on the wall, write it down, or anything that helps you to remember and re-live the memory.

The feeling of really achieving something and feeling successful should be enjoyed and reflected on throughout your life. The more important ones should be celebrated, and shared with your family. If you don't record your achievements, chances are no one else will.

When I ask clients to make a list of their achievement to date, they often start by listing educational qualifications.

Then I say, "So you achieved nothing before or since these qualifications?" In response they add passing their driving test.

When they write down all their accomplishments they are usually amazed at the amount of things they have actually done, and sometimes it's the small things that mean the most. Not all achievements are necessarily successes, but things you achieved because you made the effort.

Write down all your achievements and add to the list as you achieve even more. Bear in mind that a huge achievement for one person can be a simple chore for someone else; we are all different in our abilities and rate of progress. View these examples and then create your own list.

* Got first or a new job

* Passed driving test

* Dealt with a legal battle

* Recovered from illness, or accident

* Conquered an addiction

* Survived abuse

* Coped with physical or emotional difficulties

* Dealt with grief

* Overcame fear of flying

* Adapted to change of direction in life

* Dealt with depression or a breakdown

* Survived divorce

* Started a business

* Success at a job, promotion

* Ran a marathon to raise money for charity

* Cared for the elderly

* Created a garden

* Painted a picture

* Learned to take photographs

* Designed a web site

* Decorated a house/flat

* Bought a home

* Bought first or a special car, boat or plane!

* Gave birth!

You may also include all the destinations that you have been to; each trip is an achievement.

Take a good look at your achievements. Are there any factors that affected a successful outcome that might help you in the future? Many different patterns helped me achieve, including continuing to make an effort. I am also more successful if I plan, motivate myself and allow a realistic time frame to achieve my goal. Also, it's amazing that I find extra motivation for losing that extra bit of weight I'm carrying before a holiday or a wedding!

I have witnessed other people achieving well after an unexpected situation, or after a life-changing experience. Following are some of the most common factors or conditions. See if you can identify any that may help with your future goals.

* Choosing timing well to achieve

* Being more determined

* Health scare

* Motivated by your family or friends

* Motivated by an unexpected situation

* Motivated by a forthcoming event

* Enlisting other people to help with goal(s)

* Time of year for e.g. January, Keeping New Year's resolutions

* Moving from negative circumstances

* New environment at home or work

* Making the most of an opportunity

* Working at staying positive

If there are patterns emerging from your achievements, be aware of these and use them if you can for your goals in the future.