I really wish I had done this before I left past jobs! Maybe it’s a good practice to move these things from your work email to screenshots or forward to personal email right away or at a set time? Like when your performance review comes along maybe.
Oh! You just reminded me of another tip I definitely should have included in this post: A yay me folder is gold when it comes to annual review time — you can literally quote the people who said you're good at your job (and therefore deserving of a raise, duh).
Aw, Katie, I loved this post. Several years ago, in my early twenties, I went through a season of low self-esteem where I needed a lot of reassurance. I started a folder in my notes app (I think I titled it "Your friends really do care about you" or something like that), and anytime a friend sent me a sweet message or showed me something that showed me they cared, I would screenshot it and add it to the folder. I haven't used it in years, but that practice helped me remember who I am and what I mean to the people in my life who love me. I need to start a "yay me" folder at work!
Yes those are the lines that hit me too because they are both why I’m here and also act as a mirror to remind me that those words are also true of me. Thank you Katie for your heart hitting words and Hannah for highlighting these ones in particular 💗
Katie, I love this so much. Towards the end you mentioned other avenues for a "yay me" that you could create. Sometime last year, for reasons unknown, I created a note on my notes app: "good things from each day." No number limit, either. I'd do it when I could, and over a year later, I look back on things I CHERISH but would've been lost, as you reflected that it's harder to necessarily remember the positives sometimes. Anyways, I'm sure there's a version of this even easier, but having this note has changed me!
I had a folder like this called "Atta Boys" and I printed them all out and saved them after I got laid off. I'm delinquent in posting (and in paying) for your content, which is such a lovely place to come. While I'm not sure we ever met at CNN, I know we share mutual friends and colleagues and I've been following your journey from afar. I'm sorry it took me so long to say hello! And I appreciate what you do. And you deserve to be paid for it, so I'm trying to get better at that.
Yesterday, falling into a recognizable pattern of feeling a certain way about work and not sure how to get out of it, I decided to text a few group chats and ask for advice. One person’s advice was about learning how to believe the good stuff as easily as you believe the bad, which reminded me of this newsletter. I’ve kept a “kudos folder” at work before, but find it hard to let those things sink in. But my main takeaway was feeling blown away and so touched by all of the caring, thoughtful responses. I would have understood if they didn’t respond - people are busy! But they really came through in such a big way. I’ve saved their advice in a note, which is its own kind of yay file. To be lifted up by the wisdom of friends is such a gift - and that is meaningful no matter what is going on at work.
Yay Katie! Yay for you and all you do and have done! Thank you for being that bright spot each and every week. Wonderful idea, we can save our texts too.
For lack of a better descriptive, it's like a personal pay it forward. Be an encourager! Be that one person for someone else who may have never heard the words "good job or nice work"
Love this so much! I've done some version of this by writing down accomplishments to put in my annual reviews, but I also like the idea of keeping a dedicated "Yay me!" folder. As a fellow Substacker, I appreciate engagement from my readers, but can also relate to how easy it is to consume without interacting. Thank you for what you do here and your invaluable insight. <3
Yes to all of this. And when you get those words, pause to take them in. It’s easy to brush them off and sometimes uncomfortable to take them in, but it’s so necessary.
Reading this made me think about how easy it is to forget the good stuff, especially when you're constantly pushing forward. I love the idea of a "yay me" folder because it's such a small thing that can make a huge difference when you're feeling insecure. I've definitely been there, doubting my own value, questioning if I'm doing enough, and wondering if anyone notices the work I put in. It’s easy to remember the harsh criticism or the moments where things didn’t go right, but it's harder to hold onto the positive feedback.
Love this advice. I also find putting out the good comments myself really does feel good. With the Substacks I read I put them in a "revisit" folder in my email to like, comment or share later.
I really wish I had done this before I left past jobs! Maybe it’s a good practice to move these things from your work email to screenshots or forward to personal email right away or at a set time? Like when your performance review comes along maybe.
Oh! You just reminded me of another tip I definitely should have included in this post: A yay me folder is gold when it comes to annual review time — you can literally quote the people who said you're good at your job (and therefore deserving of a raise, duh).
Helpful for interview prep and job applications too!
Aw, Katie, I loved this post. Several years ago, in my early twenties, I went through a season of low self-esteem where I needed a lot of reassurance. I started a folder in my notes app (I think I titled it "Your friends really do care about you" or something like that), and anytime a friend sent me a sweet message or showed me something that showed me they cared, I would screenshot it and add it to the folder. I haven't used it in years, but that practice helped me remember who I am and what I mean to the people in my life who love me. I need to start a "yay me" folder at work!
That is so sweet! I'm glad it helped you. And yes to starting one at work!
"I’m good at what I do. The work I create is meaningful. I help people.": Yes, you are. Yes, it is. Yes, you do. 💖
Ha, I cringed when I wrote that but knew it was important to say out loud. Thank you for always being the best supporter. xo
So! important. I'm so glad you wrote them and didn't delete :)
xoxo
Yes those are the lines that hit me too because they are both why I’m here and also act as a mirror to remind me that those words are also true of me. Thank you Katie for your heart hitting words and Hannah for highlighting these ones in particular 💗
Katie, I love this so much. Towards the end you mentioned other avenues for a "yay me" that you could create. Sometime last year, for reasons unknown, I created a note on my notes app: "good things from each day." No number limit, either. I'd do it when I could, and over a year later, I look back on things I CHERISH but would've been lost, as you reflected that it's harder to necessarily remember the positives sometimes. Anyways, I'm sure there's a version of this even easier, but having this note has changed me!
I love that this note started "for reasons unknown" and is now a cherished practice. How delightful!
I had a folder like this called "Atta Boys" and I printed them all out and saved them after I got laid off. I'm delinquent in posting (and in paying) for your content, which is such a lovely place to come. While I'm not sure we ever met at CNN, I know we share mutual friends and colleagues and I've been following your journey from afar. I'm sorry it took me so long to say hello! And I appreciate what you do. And you deserve to be paid for it, so I'm trying to get better at that.
SO smart to print them out! (Also, lol, I love the folder name.) And thank you for the kind words and support, Stephanie! It means so much. xo
Yesterday, falling into a recognizable pattern of feeling a certain way about work and not sure how to get out of it, I decided to text a few group chats and ask for advice. One person’s advice was about learning how to believe the good stuff as easily as you believe the bad, which reminded me of this newsletter. I’ve kept a “kudos folder” at work before, but find it hard to let those things sink in. But my main takeaway was feeling blown away and so touched by all of the caring, thoughtful responses. I would have understood if they didn’t respond - people are busy! But they really came through in such a big way. I’ve saved their advice in a note, which is its own kind of yay file. To be lifted up by the wisdom of friends is such a gift - and that is meaningful no matter what is going on at work.
Oh, this is such a lovely story. I'm glad you felt lifted up and I hope that feeling continues!
Yay Katie! Yay for you and all you do and have done! Thank you for being that bright spot each and every week. Wonderful idea, we can save our texts too.
For lack of a better descriptive, it's like a personal pay it forward. Be an encourager! Be that one person for someone else who may have never heard the words "good job or nice work"
Lori, you are exceptionally good at taking the time to share kind words. Thank you!
Maybe but it's from your thoughtful and honest sharing that reminds me to turn my thoughts thus.
Love this so much! I've done some version of this by writing down accomplishments to put in my annual reviews, but I also like the idea of keeping a dedicated "Yay me!" folder. As a fellow Substacker, I appreciate engagement from my readers, but can also relate to how easy it is to consume without interacting. Thank you for what you do here and your invaluable insight. <3
Thank you, Lauren! That means a lot!
I love this so much. Grateful for your words, today and always!
Thank you, Bre! That means a lot!
Why do creators seek external validations? Sometimes you love the creators so much you do not say anything.
Good question and good point!
Yes to all of this. And when you get those words, pause to take them in. It’s easy to brush them off and sometimes uncomfortable to take them in, but it’s so necessary.
Yes!!
Reading this made me think about how easy it is to forget the good stuff, especially when you're constantly pushing forward. I love the idea of a "yay me" folder because it's such a small thing that can make a huge difference when you're feeling insecure. I've definitely been there, doubting my own value, questioning if I'm doing enough, and wondering if anyone notices the work I put in. It’s easy to remember the harsh criticism or the moments where things didn’t go right, but it's harder to hold onto the positive feedback.
I’m glad it resonated!
Love this advice. I also find putting out the good comments myself really does feel good. With the Substacks I read I put them in a "revisit" folder in my email to like, comment or share later.
I appreciate you Katie. 💞