Yay by Natalie Johnson via Flickr CC BY NC In a world of online comments and Instagram filters, we are constantly reminded that we are not perfect. That we could be better. Stronger. Smarter. How do you divert your attention from the lives of others as seen through perfectly edited LinkedIn recommendations and focus on your own development? I had a mentor when I was in my first real job who would ask a select group of professional contacts for a quick note on the things she did well and the things she needed to work on. The things she needed to get better at would be included in the development plan she built for herself. The things she did well were stashed away in an email folder that she would turn to when she needed to be reminded that she was smart, funny and good at her job, especially on days when she didn't feel like she was. I stole this idea. Everyone has days when you have an unhappy client who takes everything out on you. Days when you know someone is going to ...