The Good Jobs List: A Simple Practice to Build Caregiver Confidence and Self-Esteem
- Kim Moy
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
In my workshops and group courses, I often share the powerful and simple lesson of keeping a Good Jobs List. The idea is to write a "Good Jobs List" each night to identify all the things you did that day that you’re proud of. Or at least the top 5! There are many things you do each day as a caregiver that are often invisible. Other people – including the loved one you’re taking care of – don’t know about everything you do! Only you know. Why is this simple practice so powerful? 👉 You can give yourself a “good job,” even if no one else knows about it. You can acknowledge your own efforts. This gives you a sense of achievement. 👉 It helps make all of your “invisible” caregiving work actually visible – literally you can see the tasks you’ve done in your notebook. 👉 It gives you a sense of accomplishment to focus on what you’ve done, instead of focusing on the never-ending list of things to do that often seems to grow and grow. All of this goes a long way to helping build your self-esteem, which many caregivers struggle with in overwhelming situations.
A few days ago, I felt bad about being behind on my long “to do” list and realized I had neglected to write my daily “Good Jobs” list for a while. So I wrote down a “Good Jobs List" for my caregiving work over the past week. After writing the list, I realized I had done more than I had given myself credit for. Here’s my list:
1️⃣ Called to make an appointment with a specialist ME/CFS doctor for my husband.
2️⃣ Dealt with getting a new prescription and prescription refills with 2 different doctors using different patient portal systems & 2 different pharmacies.
3️⃣ Pulled together Social Security disability paperwork to give proof of a reduced family income over the past few years to lower my husband's Medicare out-of-pocket costs. Did I mention I HATE paperwork?!?
4️⃣ Drove to the Social Security office to deliver the paperwork by the deadline, with just 30 minutes to spare.
5️⃣ Called the airlines to request my husband get a seat reserved for disabled passengers on the plane & also get wheelchair assistance at the airports we fly out of and into.
6️⃣ Emailed my husband's best friend to coordinate dates of when they can meet, since my husband was too drained to do so.
7️⃣ Oh yeah, also the usual household management with planning and cooking all meals, doing laundry, paying bills, etc.
And I wondered where my time went this week! 😆
After writing this list, I felt much better. I realized I got a ton done. I can say “Good Job, Me!”
Writing a "Good Jobs List" is one of many strategies that I share in the Caregiver Wisdom “Strengthening the Resilient Self” group course.
In this course, you’ll:
⚡ Learn practical strategies to manage stress and prevent burnout.
💪 Discover emotional, physical, and spiritual (non-denominational) practices to boost your resilience.
💜 Share and connect with other caregivers who truly understand your journey.
🌿 Get coaching, support, and accountability to build healthy habits that support YOU. Email me if you'd like to learn more. In the meantime, try this simple yet powerful practice.
