You should! Why? Because it can be a source of motivation and inspiration. All to often we're given plenty of reasons as to why we're not going to see that promotion or raise. Or we needlessly reflect on the decisions that resulted in the opposite of our efforts.
Yes there's something to be said about learning from one's mistakes. As with most things in your life, balance is a good idea. So balance out with some personal recognition. Celebrate, even if just for a few minutes, mentally what went your way and why.
For example, earlier this year at around pay raise time I contemplated purchasing a new car. Something new, fresh and exciting. I didn't need a new car. It would have been a nice reward to myself for all the work I'd done the previous year. What held me back from that significant purchase was the uncertainty in my current role. I was icing on the cake and I knew it. I was most certainly underemployed - underutilized on talent and skills - I had to seek out challenge myself. My functional area was extremely specialized and not valued by our divisional VP. And, I only really enjoyed about 1/3 of my responsibilities.
Turns out I was the target for head count reductions I had suspected. This made the notification meeting with my manager very easy and constructive since I was already mentally prepared. It was time to move on.
So, yes it was wise not to purchase that shiny new auto and remain without a car payment. Thank you self!
That is of course simply a material win. I've come to recognize I made a much more momentous decision years ago on my career. I didn't set out to reinvent myself. But I did start to put time and effort into developing a strategic network. I've blogged about this before in the event you're curious. However losing my job made the satisfaction of taking such a good decision all the more sweet. On my exit I had a wealth of colleagues in my network who offered to help me find a new role - I didn't even have to ask.
My next big decision, most recently, was to reject offers to interview and simply jump back into a large company. When it comes to starting my own company the jury is definitely still out. It has been very exciting, totally liberating and there are so many possibilities and paths I can take. None of which were ever an option employed by a large firm in contraction mode. If I do fail I know I won't regret taking this risk and betting on myself.
Give yourself credit, when it's due, for sound insightful personal and professional decisions.
