How Cookies Can Boost Your Career

You worked hard on that report, spent weekends and a few sleepless nights to make it a success.

Your boss comes by and thanks you for all the effort you put into it.

File that one away in your “cookie jar.”

David Goggins talks often about the cookie jar. No, not the one filled with Thin Mints and Samoas. But the hurdles he had to overcome to achieve what he’s achieved.

In our case, what is your cookie jar, and why is it important to fill it with the right things?

The cookie jar concept is a powerful tool for both career growth and personal development. It holds all of the small work wins you’ve accumulated over time.

It’s more than a motivational trick—those small wins will add up, giving you a stronger foundation of confidence and ability.

Did you complete a difficult task? Put a cookie in the jar.
Received positive feedback from a colleague? Add another cookie.
Successfully navigated a tough conversation? More cookies for you.

Your cookie jar will become an invaluable resource as you make progress in your career, or finding the work that works for you. What it shows your current boss, future employer, and yourself is a portfolio of success, showcasing your skills, knowledge, and adaptability. It shows them—and it shows you—that you can show up consistently for your new team.

Yet, sometimes we fall prey to the idea of needing to a big massive step, believing that is the only way to move forward. How can you overcome this?

By remembering to acknowledge and build upon the smaller victories. What are some ways you can do this?

• Start a daily wins log: At the end of each workday, write down one small accomplishment or positive moment. It could be as simple as "Finished that tricky email to a client" or "Had a productive brainstorming session."

• Create a feedback folder: Create a digital or physical folder to store positive feedback. Every time you receive a compliment, a thank-you note, or a good performance review, add it to your folder.

• Have a “challenge conquered” checklist: Make a list of workplace challenges you've overcome, no matter how small. It could be "Spoke up in a meeting" or "Resolved a conflict with a coworker.”

And those small victories are critical in maintaining motivation and momentum. We have a tendency to wait for motivation before we act. But, it’s the opposite: motivation follows actions. And as you act, you show leadership, another benefit of the cookie jar.

Every cookie you put into your jar—the email, the smile, the nod, the thanks, the gold star—is a step forward for you. When times get tough and uncertain, you can reach into that jar and remind yourself of your skills and abilities. And renew the confidence you have in yourself.

And do it with more nutritional value than what’s in a Chips Ahoy.

What small victory can you put in your cookie jar? Let me know in the comments.

I’m Richard Taliaferro. I’m a certified health and career coach, trained in habit change, specializing in helping mid-stage professionals gain clarity on their career and health journeys. I invite you to click on the link, and let’s talk about how I can support you.