As healthcare professionals, our sense of fulfillment and personal growth can play a crucial role in nurturing our overall wellbeing. In the final instalment of our PERMA model series, we will be looking at the fifth element: Accomplishments. By recognising and leveraging our achievements, we can enhance self-esteem, maintain motivation, and experience a greater sense of fulfillment in our personal and professional lives.
Accomplishments refer to the tangible outcomes and achievements that result from our efforts and dedication. They can range from small victories to significant milestones, and they provide a sense of competence, mastery, and progress in our chosen paths. Celebrating accomplishments contributes to a positive self-image and reinforces our belief in our abilities.
How to Recognise your Accomplishments
Set Goals: Establish clear, specific, and realistic goals for your personal and professional growth. Break them down into manageable steps and create a timeline for achieving them. By setting goals, you create a roadmap that guides your actions and provides a sense of direction.
Track Progress: Keep a record of your accomplishments, both big and small. This can be in the form of a journal, a digital document, or a vision board. Regularly review your progress, celebrate milestones, and appreciate the journey you have undertaken.
Shift Your Perspective: Recognise that perfection is an unattainable standard, and that mistakes and imperfections are a natural part of the learning process. Embrace a growth mindset that values progress over perfection.
Embrace Lifelong Learning: Engage in continuous learning and professional development. Pursue opportunities for acquiring new skills, attending workshops, or participating in conferences. Each new skill or area of expertise mastered is an accomplishment worth celebrating.
Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Acknowledge that perfectionism can be self-defeating and that mistakes are opportunities for growth. Practice self-compassion by speaking to yourself in a supportive and encouraging manner.
Recognise Daily Wins: Decide to purposefully pay attention to the small victories and successes that happen in your daily life. We can have a tendency to only focus on flaws. It could be a positive patient outcome, a successful teamwork experience, or positive feedback from a colleague. Recognising these accomplishments boosts morale and motivation.
Seek Feedback and Mentorship: Actively seek feedback from colleagues, supervisors, and mentors. Constructive feedback helps you identify areas of improvement and celebrate growth. Mentorship relationships provide guidance, support, and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals.
Celebrate Milestones: When you reach significant milestones in your career or personal life, take the time to celebrate them. It could be a promotion, completion of a challenging project, or reaching a specific number of patients helped. Celebrations reinforce the value of your accomplishments and provide motivation to strive for more.
Practice Self-Reflection: Regularly reflect on your accomplishments and their meaning to you. Ask yourself how they align with your values and long-term aspirations. Reflecting on the significance of your achievements can fuel your motivation and inspire you to reach new heights.
Share Successes with Others: Share your accomplishments with colleagues, friends, and loved ones. Celebrating together not only reinforces your achievements but also creates a sense of camaraderie and support. Sharing successes can inspire others and create a positive ripple effect within your community.
Benefits of Celebrating Accomplishments
Increased Self-esteem: Recognising and celebrating accomplishments can boost self-esteem and self-confidence. It validates your capabilities and reinforces a positive self-image.
Enhanced Motivation: Acknowledging accomplishments provides a sense of motivation and drive to continue striving for excellence. It helps you stay focused and determined in your pursuit of personal and professional growth.
Reinforced Competence: Reflecting on your accomplishments reinforces your belief in your abilities and expertise. It reminds you of your competence and strengths, bolstering your confidence in challenging situations.
Professional Growth: Celebrating accomplishments encourages continuous professional growth and development. It fosters a mindset of lifelong learning and improvement.
In this series, we have explored the key elements of the PERMA Model and how they can impact our wellbeing as health professionals. From Positive Emotions to Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishments, each element has its own part to play. As you embar on your journey to cultivate a healthier more fulfilling life we leave you with one important question: What is one small step you can take today to enhance your wellbeing?
