Ever get to the end of the day and wonder where it went? You were busy and productive…but there was something missing? Satisfaction or recognition maybe?

One easy habit this is helping me is writing down my successes for the day – before they happen. Over breakfast I gather a Post-it note and a Sharpie. At the top of the note I write <today’s> Successes. Then I jot down 3 things that if I accomplish them, I can declare the day a success at its conclusion.

A few small details matter here. The Post-it note is the traditional square size – not any of the mini-versions and certainly not the easel sized one. Regular Post-it note. The Sharpie is the traditional one as well. Not too thick and not the fine tip.

Why are the specs of the sticky notes and writing instrument important? It helps to enforce the idea of only having 3 success items on your list. You can’t easily write a novel using these tools. You finish those 3 things and you can be proud of the day when you reflect. You’ll still accomplish other things as well. This is not your task list, it is your success list.

What if you miss a goal? It happens. I’m embarrassed to say that one of my success items recently was to encourage one person. I ended up venting to a friend and may have actually discouraged them. Whoops. I acknowledged my failure on that goal and promised myself I would be more conscious in my next interaction and do better. As with every 3 success item Post-it I write, I crumpled it and put it in the recycle bin. Tomorrow is a new day, with its own set of success items.

The idea is to keep us focused on what’s important and not to let distractions derail us. The idea is not to beat ourselves up when we don’t quite reach our goals.

By using this technique I’m finding it easier to say no to distractions, to schedule items on my list into my day, and to feel good about the day when I check the items off the list.

engineer your life

  • Take a moment in the morning to write down 3 success items. No Post-it note? No Sharpie? No problem. Use what you have but keep the items to 3 and don’t use a lot of words to describe your goal.
  • Keep the list somewhere in view throughout the day. Check off the items as you complete them.
  • Take a moment at the end of the day to look at your list. Whether or not you completed every item on your list, congratulate yourself for starting a new habit. Crumple up that list and start fresh tomorrow!