Tip 9 for Respect, Productivity & Notice at Work: Reflect on Daily Accomplishments

As you near the end of your work day, take some time to reflect on what you have done. This exercise of reviewing what you have completed can help garner a sense of accomplishment and assist with planning tasks for the following day. It is also our ninth step for increasing respect, productivity and notice at work.
In discussing this tip in her article, Shana Lebowitz observes that, “a 2014 working paper from researchers at Harvard Business School and elsewhere found that 15 minutes of reflective writing is enough to make you more successful at work.” Lebowitz goes on to note the study also observed that while stopping work a bit early may seem counterintuitive, it increases performance increases. This positive impact may stem from a sense of accomplishment positively gained or from the organizational edge that reflecting on your progress allows.
One of our staff members at Contemporaries, Inc., a temp agency in Boston MA suggests the use of an ‘outstanding list’ or ‘OS list’ can help. Start the day with a checklist of objectives and keep track of new and completed tasks. At the end of the day reflect on and add to this OS list while taking note of what new tasks to add for your next workday. Whether through reflections on your accomplishments with an OS list or by practicing a mental exercise at the days end, find a system that helps you reflect on your daily accomplishments.
This posting is brought to you by Contemporaries Inc., one of the best temp agencies in Boston MA. Also available for payrolling employees in Boston and Greater Boston
Recent Posts

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of Year To…Stream Holiday Movies!
It’s hard to believe that Christmas, and the Holiday Season are upon us already. It’s been quite a challenging few weeks for many, and our team at Contemporaries, Inc., wishes you a healthy and happy holiday season, no matter what you’re celebrating. So, we are going...

Progress Not Perfection: How To Navigate New Year Resolutions
As the year winds down (didn’t it seem to just fly by?) it becomes natural and societally encouraged to reflect on the last 365 days, as well as goals for the New Year. While these reflections can often feel forced and can come with undue pressure (think New Year’s...

Thanksgiving: An Ode To Gratitude
It’s that time of year again. Thanksgiving. No matter the connotations associated with this holiday, it is undoubtedly one that brings family together, is a pause in one’s working life, and a time - if you are lucky - for reflection, and safe hibernation. And, it’s...

The Limitations Of A Resume & How We Can Help!
In this modern employment climate, resumes are unfortunately no longer enough to land a job. This statement holds true even if you have a stellar one! Why? Well, they are easy to replicate, there is a strong candidate pool, and resumes don't always do enough to...

Trick Or Treat! Come & Change Your Thoughts With Me!
It’s almost that time of year again! Boo! While many of you are eagerly awaiting a weekend Halloween party, putting the final touches on your child’s costume, or stocking up on candy, we thought we’d create a new tradition honoring one of our favorite holidays. We’d...
Motivation Monday
Mondays can be tough. We’ve all experienced the “Sunday Scaries”. After all, the night before a work week can prove anxious. So, what can we do to relax, and get prepared? How does one show up alert, enthused, and rested? How does one set a positive tone for the week?...
Employment In The 21st Century: Social Media Dos & Don’ts
It’s inevitable by now that most of us have a social media presence, whether limited to Facebook, Twitter, or expanding into Instagram, even Tik Tok. And, of course, a LinkedIn account. Thus it can be easy to forget that many of these accounts - unless properly...
“Fall” Into New Patterns: Seasons & Personal/Workplace Transitions
Autumn has long been associated with change, growth (personal and professional), and transformation. Routines can shift with seasons. Fall famously ushers in growth and is ripe with metaphor. Just look at how leaves begin to change their colors. It all began with...
Treat Your Temp Job As A Rehearsal For Your (Permanent) Future
Want to know how to get your foot through the door for a future career? Try a staffing firm like Contemporaries, Inc. where 94% of our temps “go permanent”. That’s a staggering amount! After remaining on our payroll for several months contract employees become...
Affirmations: How To Overcome Self Doubt & Secure A Positive Mindset To Land That Dream Job
Here at Contemporaries, Inc. we know, first hand, how stressful the process of applying for a job (especially interviewing for that job) can be. And, even if you are prepared, well dressed, on time, and possess a strong resume and related work history, there’s another...
PART 2 (CLIENTS): Finding The Right Employee Goes Beyond Their Resume, or “Beyond The Page”
Similar to how a resume may be limiting for an employee trying to land a job, it can also be a constraining barometer for a client who is searching for their ideal future candidate. If that is the case, what is the solution? What else should a client look for in a...

The Limitations Of The Resume & How We Can Help
In this modern employment climate, resumes are unfortunately no longer enough to land a job. This statement holds true even if you have a stellar one! Why? Well, they are easy to replicate, there is a strong candidate pool, and resumes don't always do enough to...

Revisited: How To Warm Up Before Any Interview
With all of autumn’s transitions, one of those changes might be the opportunity to pursue a new position. In order to do so, make sure you’re keeping an open mind to the opportunities all around you, and practicing gratitude for the ones that come your way, especially...

Every Job or Assignment is an Opportunity for Success
In 2008, a movie titled Slumdog Millionaire hit the big screen and swept the Academy Awards as well as the British, the Critics’ Choice, and Golden Globe awards. The plot was complex and entertaining and centered on a young Indian man from Mumbai who knew so many...