Life can be a rollercoaster, and we are our own worst enemies when it comes to self-doubt and insecurity.  A lot of people create Vision Boards as a visual representation of their goals.  Rather than go down a path about (ABC) Goals, I’d like to first share about a different concept.  This is one that if you are seeking employment is a must.  It’s called a “Rearview Mirror Board.”  Curious?  Confused?  Read on!

We should never live in the past.  That being said, we often let memories of our struggles and losses* to cloud our self-perception.  When knee deep in mud and slogging down a path that seems endless we lose sight of our past wins.  Some of us are fortunate enough to have a partner that knows how and when to remind us of those successes.  Either way, a visual representation is invaluable.

So what is a Rearview Mirror Board?  It can be anything from a folder on your smartphone or computer to a single sheet of paper to a full size poster.  But what it contains is where the magic is.  It has pictures that quickly remind you of great things you have done.  They don’t have to be recent, they don’t all have to be directly relevant to your work.  The key thing is that they be evocative.

When you need a pick-me-up, take a slow review and reflect on your journey.  If you’re using a folder of images on your phone or computer, run a slideshow in a random order with a good 10 to 15 seconds per image.  If it’s a poster, try to start at a different section each time.  Put yourself back in that time of your life, bask in the happiness you were feeling then.

This will come across as a humble brag, but that wasn’t my goal for this section.  Here are some of the images on my Rearview Vision Board:

• A company I worked for was acquired for $7.3B* back in 1999.  I was a very minor part of that success, but learned a lot.
• 6 logos for specific operating systems from when I was a System Administrator.
• GarageCity Logo
• Toastmasters club logo
• The logo of a bank where I created a demo that helped win a sale without a POC
• A picture of a Golden Retriever. I rescued one with a broken hip from the middle of a highway one 4th of July.
• The images for the 4 universities I attended.
• BSA – Pinewood plus STEM event that I put on.
• A White Hat – to remind me of the sites I’ve helped make more secure.
• Evil Tweety – my Land Speed Racing car. We were the first team to ever dyno a car on the Salt.
• DAR Award
• RPi for Fastly
• The logo for the firm where I did my first live demo without a lifeline. At least 10 stakeholders in the room and I nailed it.

I also need to add content from my attaboy folder . . .