What CAN you do?!

What CAN you do? No, not what DO you do, what CAN  you do?

This exercise is about thinking of all those little skills that you have accumulated over your lifetime, some of which are second nature to you, probably to the extent that you no longer consciously acknowledge that you have these skills at all. The sheer fact that you can read this means that you have at the very least basic computer literacy and that you can read!

We all do other things, some people can drive, others can cook, sew, knit, decorate, play a musical instrument, fly a plane, play a particular sport, swim, write, paint, make jewellery or woodwork, some people are good at balancing the books so that there is still enough money left at the end of the month, rather than the other way round. Even making use of current technology such as sending a text or sms message, sending an email, buying or selling something on an internet auction site, online shopping, writing a word document etc all count as skills that no everyone has. Most of these skills have been used as the basis for a job for someone, somewhere in the world.

 All the above are valuable skills that can stand you in good stead for getting a job, making life easier in some way. But what else can you do?

Academic qualifications are really good to have but so are other achievements, such as music exams, ballet exams, belts in martial arts, swimming badges etc. All should be remembered and rejoiced for what they are, rather than forgotten, stashed in the back of the memory along with other childhood memorabilia. Hobbies also count. Team work skills like those used to play for your local sports team are also useful to remember both for CV's and for the self-esteem, so don't forget to add those to your 'I CAN Do' list.

If you have been a leader either at work, on a committee, or on a voluntary basis that equally should be remembered and added to your list.

 If you've ever started a club, created a business, organised a party or wedding, even made a family event like Christmas happen, this should be seen as an achievement in its own right.

No one cares if the pudding was a bit burnt, the sprouts soggy or if Aunt Mavis ended up snoring after having too much sherry trifle. The sheer fact that you got people round the table, the presents ready to be opened under the tree, the food cooked etc, is classed as a big achievement. Store your list in your active conscious, as well as in a dusty file at the back of your mind.

Next time you have a few minutes jot down ideas of all the things that you have achieved. The big things, the little things, the certificates, the adventures you've been on because you seized the opportunity to go on them. Keep the list handy and regularly add to it. Review it carefully.

 Ask your friends and family if they can think of anything to add to the list. They might have remembered something that they were really impressed by and add that to your list. The more positive feedback you get (and give to yourself for that matter) the higher your self esteem will be and the greater your confidence levels.  If you would like to you could pin the list up in a prominent place.

By the kettle, by your computer, on the back of the cupboard door where you keep the mugs or on the back of your wardrobe door can be a good place to keep it if you don't want it out on display for the whole world to see.

Everytime you have a good day, or something goes right add it to the list. Keep a positive journal, where you write down anything that's gone really well. When you have a bad day, have a look at the journal, and see the times that things did go right ,when you were happy with your progress. Hopefully this will give you a boost and show you that things don't always go wrong and make you feel happy again.