In 1843, Ada Lovelace translated an article about Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine and added a few notes of her own. Her “few notes” ended up far longer than the article and included what’s widely considered the first published computer program. For a long time, much of the credit went to Babbage anyway. Her work survived because she wrote it down. On Ada Lovelace Day, take the hint: your wins deserve a record, too.
What Is a Brag File?
A brag file is a running collection of your accomplishments, kind words, and proud moments, kept in one place so you can look back on them.
It can be a notebook, a notes app, or a folder of screenshots. The format matters less than the habit, and the habit matters less than actually opening it.
Why Flirts Forget Their Own Wins
Hard calls have excellent memories. Great ones tend to fade by the next shift. Without a manager or an annual review, Flirts rarely get a formal reminder of how much they’ve grown. A brag file fills that gap, and it never asks you to fill out a self-assessment form.
What to Put in Your Brag File
Five things worth saving:
- Kind messages from callers. The ones that made you grin at your phone belong here.
- Milestones. Your first regular, a personal best week, an anniversary on the platform.
- New skills. A scenario you finally nailed or a technique that finally clicked.
- Hard calls you handled well. Grace under pressure counts as a win.
- Moments you were proud of yourself. Even if nobody else noticed. Especially then.
How to Actually Use Your Brag File
Open it on the days you need it: after a slow night, a rude caller, or a week that made you doubt yourself. It’s also handy when you’re deciding whether to raise your rates or try something new. The evidence of what you’re capable of is right there, in your own handwriting.