A few months ago I read this post on being your own best hype person. It made me think about the times I wanted someone to advocate or believe in me. I remember how alone and disappointed I felt in those times because I didn’t feel like I was a part of a support network or community, even though I had people in my life excited about my work.

I left reading the piece feeling this way, but I also had a sense of encouragement. I still wanted to share the value of what I do as a profession. And today almost two months later, I find that no one can be a better hype man than yourself and in the times that you especially need it. I think even throughout similar professions, the perspectives in even what we do and how we aim to do it are unique. That’s why when I feel disappointed now, I can’t help but record my present state and situation.

I’m keeping a career log to track specific events in my career. And honestly, they’re written down as events. The time, the date, the topics. That’s what I want to look at towards the end of the year. That’s what I want to be proud of when I go back and think about how much I’ve grown. The person whose writing those events down wants to share what went well, what didn’t go well, what were feelings I had at the time.

It encourages you to be grateful for your accomplishments. I think it’s sometimes difficult to stop and give yourself credit where it’s due when you’re critical of yourself. And when you’re not critical, there’s always the next big thing to pursue. I realize that not every wall is broken down in a day, and when I need an extra push to get through the next hurdle, the person who’s going to do it and tell me I can do it is myself.

Whether I’m with or without a community, whether I feel alone or disappointed, I hope the value in what I can only do allows me to get through any crisis or setback.