How can I journal about being recognized for going the extra mile without feeling like I’m bragging?

Try a simple, grounded structure: 1) Facts: Write exactly what happened and who said what—no embellishing. 2) Feelings: Name the emotions it brought up (proud, awkward, motivated, pressured). 3) Meaning: Note what the recognition says about your values (e.g., reliability, kindness). 4) Direction: One small way you’ll honor that value again—sustainably. This keeps the entry humble and useful. In Stoic, you can do a quick check-in, capture the moment, and end with a sentence of gratitude for the effort you put in—not just the praise.

I felt pressure to always do more after being praised. How do I use this prompt to set healthy boundaries?

Use the dichotomy of control: separate what’s up to you (effort, integrity, clarity) from what isn’t (others’ reactions). Then journal in two columns: 1) Approval-Seeking: “I go the extra mile to be liked/avoid conflict.” 2) Values-Driven: “I go the extra mile to deliver quality when it matters.” Circle the values-driven items that are sustainable. Close with a boundary sentence: “I will deliver excellence on X; I will say no or set limits on Y.” In Stoic, revisit this line when you feel the urge to overextend.

What if no one has recognized me for going the extra mile—how should I approach today’s prompt?

Turn the prompt into self-recognition. Write an ‘evidence log’: list 3 specific times you went above and beyond (what you did, who benefited, impact). Then reflect: Which virtue did each act express (courage, perseverance, kindness)? Finish with one supportive line to yourself, like you’d say to a friend. If you want external feedback, jot one small, clear request you can make (e.g., “Could you share what was most helpful about X?”). Stoic works well for a short daily evidence log to build self-trust over time.

Journaling Idea - On Going Extra Mile.

Has anyone ever recognized you for going the extra mile?

What impact did their reaction and appreciation have on you?

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Natalia Łobodzińska

Published on

Aug 26, 2025

Journal in Stoic

HowTo=target

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking to learn moreabout emotions?

Find hundreds of quotes, affirmations, lessons, guided journals, and so much more in stoic.

Natalia Łobodzińska

Head of Content at stoic.

Natalia oversees all content inside the Stoic app — from guided journals to daily prompts. She works closely with therapists and writers to make sure every word helps users reflect and grow. She also manages translations to keep the experience thoughtful and consistent across languages.

Has anyone ever recognized you for going the extra mile?

Join the Minimal Newsletter

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you think about this?

How do you think about this?

How do you think about this?

Looking to learn moreabout emotions?

More prompts on On Going Extra Mile