Overlooked and Under-appreciated?

Q:  I am a model employee and score high on my routine employee evalutions.  But when it comes to recognition in the form of "employee of the month," etc., I watch co-workers walk away with the prize every time.  I don't want to talk to my supervisor about it because I may get an award and it won't feel right because I had to ask for it.  Can you help me with my attitude about this?  C.Z.

A:  Whatever the reasons, fair or unfair, you are not being duly recognized for your work, there are some things you can do that will help your attitude.

Realize that public recognition is hollow unless there is an inner realization of your own intrinsic worth.  Most of us aren't very well versed on the topic of our own infinite value.  You can boost this awareness by creating some diplomas, awards, or certificates of achievement, for yourself.  What triumphs have you achieved in your personal life?  Have you replaced a bad habit with a good one?  Have you raised children?  Have you overcome some particular difficulty?  Using a computer program, or crafting them by hand, get creative about what you know to be your accomplishments, and award yourself.  You are simply truth-telling with recognition of this kind.  Hang them on the wall, or put them away in a special place.  Get creative; have fun doing this; and don't be modest!

I suspect that when you come from a place of truth about yourself, at your own deepest level, your deserved recognition from your environment won't be far behind.  If not, you'll feel better, and "it won't matter, and it won't matter that it doesn't matter."