‘Tis the season when we measure and are measured for our successes (gold stars), lost opportunities, and missteps. Often the grading comes from others — bosses, teachers, partners, family, complete strangers, and society. What if we were to measure ourselves, looking for accomplishments and revelations rather than disappointments, failures, and errors, using our own scale rather than that of others? What if you earned gold stars?
The year 2021 presented enormous challenges, many we had never seen or felt before. And you know what? We got through, sometimes with great ease and other times with struggle. We learned about ourselves, often qualities hidden or underutilized.
Just in case you have ignored or forgotten some of your triumphs at home and work, I’ve listed a few actions that just might have been part of your life and earned you a gold star (maybe more).
★Relationships
Reconnected with friends and family.
Widened your network of friends.
Deepened your partnership.
Spent more time with the kids.
Acted as educator to a child.
Learned more about a prominent figure.
Listened to the other side’s point of view.
Made an effort to be neighborly.
Said positive things to strangers.
Listened to a grieving person.
Cherished your best friend.
Thanked an essential worker.
Showed appreciation to helpers in your life.
Picked up a chore another often performed.
Let others know your needs.
Told people you loved them.
Honored birthdays and anniversaries.
★Career and Work
Advanced.
Moved to another division, employer, or career.
Increased your professional network.
Realized your team has grown.
Celebrated with your team.
Supported your people when no one would.
Received accolades from staff or colleagues.
Spruced up you LinkedIn.
Updated your resume.
Made a Zoom group meeting feel intimate.
Helped a friend get a job or promotion.
Learned a people-focused skill.
Upped your tech skills.
Figured out your boss.
Co-workers thanked you.
Adapted to the ever changing COVID rules.
Listed your achievements in 2021.
Accepted mistakes.
Delegated more.
Ignored gossip and complaining.
Avoided mindless tasks.
Nurtured a relationship with your boss’s boss.
Acknowledged you’re great at what you do
★Citizenship and Helping Others
Got vaccinated.
Voted.
Complained to or complimented representatives.
Recycled.
Kept current on government issues.
Wore a mask to protect others.
Helped a homeless person.
Supported the issues you believe in.
Donated clothes and household goods.
Avoided hoarding.
Gave money to charities you support.
Volunteered.
Created a circle of diverse friends.
Defended and protected others.
★Home
Setup a positive virtual office.
Separated workspace from personal.
Fixed that annoying drip, loose, burned out, whatever.
Tossed clutter.
Made music available.
Cleaned personal spaces regularly.
Dined at dinner time, not just ate.
Used fewer paper towels.
Looked at your home with gratitude.
Envisioned your next home project.
Always had something to read (not work related).
★Self-Care
Aimed for extreme self-care.
Weight is in ideal range.
Figured out exercise in a pandemic.
Had your annual physical.
Slept enough and well.
Ate healthy foods.
Treated yourself.
Stepped outdoors often.
Rid yourself of toxic people.
Acquired something you love.
Kept up hair and nails.
Made your bed.
Drank lots of water.
Visited the dentist.
Paid bills on time.
Updated your financial literacy.
Walked to a neighborhood park.
Incorporated meditation into your life.
Celebrated important events.
Appreciated simple pleasures.
Saved money for the future.
Laughed often.
Cried.
Felt loved.
Envisioned the future.
Everyone gets at least ONE ★ gold star.
No, let’s give ourselves a box full.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
We earned it.
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