You've heard of a vision board, but do you have a celebration board?

Having a bad day? Trying to figure out what your strengths are?  Check out your celebration board or folder.  What is a celebration board or folder? It's a collection of artifacts from others that celebrate you and your accomplishments. 

When I was interviewed recently as part of my leadership evaluation, the interviewer asked me a question about an achievement I was most proud of.  I shared with her about a card I had on the wall of my workspace for years.  As many of you know I used to teach engineering.  As part of the graduation process, seniors are asked to fill out a survey.  One of the questions is to identify the single person who had the most impact on them during their time at the university, if there was someone.  A couple years after I left the university and had been working from the bank, I received an email with an attachment that explained this. The card simply listed the name of a student and 2 others who had identified me as that person.  I cannot tell you how many times I looked at that card.  It reminded me that I had an impact.  That I could have an impact.   This is what a celebration board or folder does for you.  It celebrates you and your impact.

For example, your celebration board or folder:

- An email from a business partner or client thanking you

- Recognition from your manager or organization

- A thank you note

- Certificates that evidence your accomplishments

Each year, I recommend that you collect all of these items.  Some of them will be great for when you need to do your annual write up.  But all of them can remind you when you're having a bad day of why you do what you do.