Build an Accomplishment Tracking System for Your Career

The Forgetting Problem

Think back to three months ago at work. The picture gets blurry fast. This is not a personal failing — it is how human memory works. When you sit down to update your resume, you are reconstructing months of work from memory. The result is a resume full of duties instead of accomplishments, because duties are easier to recall.

What to Track

Look for moments of impact — times when you created, improved, solved, or delivered something meaningful:

• Projects completed — what you shipped, the scope, and the outcome

• Metrics you moved — revenue, conversion rates, error rates, response times

• Recognition received — positive feedback from managers, peers, or clients

• Problems solved — bugs fixed, fires put out, conflicts resolved

• Skills learned or scope expanded — new tools, certifications, responsibilities

The Weekly Capture Session

Set a 15-minute recurring calendar event for Friday afternoon. During this session, ask yourself: What did I complete? What improved because of my work? What problems did I solve? What positive feedback did I receive? Write 2-5 entries. Keep them rough — you are capturing raw material, not polishing resume bullets.

The Quarterly Review

Once a quarter, spend 30 minutes reviewing your accumulated entries. Refine, quantify, and fill gaps. Add numbers you have received since the original entry. Group related accomplishments into broader narratives. Delete entries that no longer seem significant.

5 Ways to Use Your Data