[bradknowles]

Not just one document for "achievements". Have a separate section for the big "bar raiser" moments.

If you don't keep this document constantly updated on a daily basis, you will quickly forget what you did and when, and then you won't have a document for any of your achievements.

You need to show this document to your manager and discuss each item on the list during your weekly 1-on-1 meetings.

Failure to do so is pretty much guaranteed to keep you from being promoted. Failure to be promoted is pretty much guaranteed to get you pushed out the door.

The U.S. Military has a concept of "too much time in grade", a.k.a., "up or out". The big companies have a similar process -- if you're not moving up the ladder fast enough in comparison to all the other people at your level, then you need to leave.

My biggest problem is recognizing when I've done anything worthy of writing down as an achievement.