Start a Good Stuff Jar

Weekly Success Tips

Words of wisdom for this week.

“Well done is better than well said.”
~ Ben Franklin

Several years ago, I realized I was not keeping thorough track of my significant achievements, highs and personal bests. Each of us has in our memory banks the kind words others have said to us, the thoughtful notes we have received, the home runs we have hit in our personal lives and careers and any number of both minor and significant positive events in our lives – from our first marathon to our last child’s wedding day – from our first career recognition to our most recent sales victory. Why lose the lasting benefit of these emotional peaks and highs in your life? Why not do what I did which was start a – Good Stuff Jar.

What is a Good Stuff Jar? Not rocket science, folks. It is any large container with the words GOOD STUFF JAR written across the front. Every time you do something – anything significant in your life (and it does not have to be significant in anyone else’s opinion or eyes), you either jot down on a 3×5 card the essence of your success or you put “whatever” in the jar.

Here are a few examples of a few of my recent additions:

  • a special birthday card from my son
  • a picture of me and one of my grand daughters
  • a copy of a check from a new client
  • a testimonial letter from a recent client
  • the date I reached my goal of my high school weight
  • a thank you note from someone who read one of my books and said that it changed his life

Got the picture? It can be anything that makes you feel: worthwhile, good about yourself or the world. So, the next time you feel:

discouraged – down – hurt – alone – stressed – betrayed – angry or like quitting – etc.&8230;

just pull out your good stuff jar with a glass of iced tea or glass of wine and randomly pull out a few of the items and spend some time reflecting on their meaning, impact, importance to the big picture of your life. I’ll guarantee it will help you get through whatever is causing you fear, stress, despair or uncertainty. To get it started, why not spend some time thinking back a few years and “stuff” a few items in it today?