why everyone needs a kudos file

When I was first starting out, there was something that wasn’t really talked about in entrepreneurship and owning your own business:

It’s friggin’ lonely.

Sure, the bros bragged about Lambos and parties and working from the beach (#laptoplifestyle #douche).

A few more genuine folks talked about the freedom and flexibility and fun projects.

I was sold – that definitely seemed like a better life for me than being stuck in a cubicle all day long.

The first few days (and probably even weeks) were nice, as I could be alone with my thoughts, no distractions.

But it wasn’t long before I started going a little stir crazy… because I was alone with my thoughts, no distractions.

And let me tell you, when you’re prone to worst case scenario thinking and anxiety, being alone with your thoughts is NOT the place you want to be.

So I’m glad that this is something we’re more open to talking about these days, because it was a life changer when I met someone who proved to me that it wasn’t just me, sitting alone and worrying:

• do they hate me?
• did I do something wrong?
• is this the time they find out I’m a total fraud?
• (after thinking up a couple dozen slights I could be responsible for) should I draft up a quick apology and propose a proactive recovery plan?

Here’s the thing… we all need perspective. Without another point of view, our opinions are flat, dull, and uninformed.

You weren’t made to be a punching bag. You take punches for too long and your flesh and bones start to break.

So do yourself a favor, and take off the gloves. There are enough people out there willing to swing at you… you don’t have to take part in your own abuse.

And I know it’s hard to break that cycle, between anxiety, loneliness, and the way the current trends seem to lean toward “who can be the most miserable?”

Not everyone has the time or the flexibility to get out and make local business friends (’cause hey, when you work for yourself, you gotta actually be there to do the work…), so how do you get that perspective you need when you’re stuck in your own head?

Enter the kudos file.

No, it’s not a candy bar from the 90s.

The dictionary defines it as:

noun

/ˈk(y)o͞oˌdäs,ˈk(y)o͞oˌdōs/

praise and honor received for an achievement

So you need to have a kudos file, if for nothing else but to remind you who you REALLY are.

The pendulum swings both ways.