Have you noticed how easy it is to get caught up in all the things you haven’t done? There’s always one more goal to reach, one more skill to master, and always some new to-do list staring back at you. It’s like this constant treadmill of doing and doing—and, at the end of the day, it can leave you wondering: Have I really made any progress this year?

We’re all managing so much, and it’s easy to slip into this space where we overlook all that we’ve achieved. So, I decided to try something different this season. Instead of rushing to the next thing, I’ve been making time to pause and reflect—to actually acknowledge the journey I’ve been on and the wins (yes, even the little ones) that have gotten me here. And, I want to share this with you because, honestly, taking time to reflect has been both grounding and motivating. It’s something I think every one of us deserves to experience.

When I started thinking about my “wins” for the year, I found myself at a bit of a loss. My mind instantly went to the big things I hadn’t accomplished, the KPIs I didn’t meet this year, the projects I didn’t do, all the numbers and targets I missed. But then, I asked myself, What about the small things? I thought back to times I’d faced a new challenge at work or moments when I’d stepped outside my comfort zone, which has been this whole year, really. And suddenly, I had this flood of memories—little moments that, on their own, may not have seemed groundbreaking, but together, they told a story of growth.

There was that project I took on that felt overwhelming at first, the one that pushed me to manage my time better and prioritize what mattered. There was the presentation I was so nervous to give, but I prepared for it and got through it—even receiving a few compliments afterward, and reassurance that I am on the right path. And there were countless days when I just kept going, even when things felt difficult, when deadlines piled up, and energy was running low (especially in these last few weeks). Those days are wins too, I realized. I had a quiet pride about it, thinking of all these pieces of growth I hadn’t really noticed before.

So, today, as you’re reading this, I want to encourage you, as you read this, to take a moment to think about your year and remember the little wins too. Maybe it was the time you learned something new, took on a responsibility that intimidated you, or simply held your ground when things felt chaotic. These moments of perseverance and growth add up, and each one deserves to be acknowledged.

Of course, the year hasn’t just been full of wins. There were definitely challenges that, in the moment, felt like I was hitting a wall, I remember this one time I had a mini panic attack sitting by the lunch table because I realised I had made a mistake and a spelling error on an editorial that was already published. But as I looked back on those harder times, I could see them from a different angle: what had seemed like setbacks had actually taught me some of my biggest lessons; to pay attention to detail and to take time to do one thing, and do it well.

I’ve realised that we (or rather, I) often see these tough moments as failures, but they’re not. They’re growth markers. And taking the time to reflect on them helps us see how far we’ve come. Sometimes, what feels like a “no” in our path is actually a redirection or a reminder to adjust our approach.

Once I’d taken the time to reflect on my wins and lessons, I naturally started thinking about what’s next. But instead of jumping into a long list of goals, I focused more on intentions. To me, intentions are different from rigid goals; they’re more about the direction I want to head in rather than a strict destination.

One intention I set was to work on my confidence—specifically, take more ownership of my work and leading in my area of expertise, or where I want to grow. Another intention I’ve made is to prioritize my well-being, making sure I carve out time for myself, even during busy weeks. These intentions feel personal, meaningful, and achievable because they’re not about achieving perfection—they’re about staying connected to what matters to me.

If you’re setting intentions for yourself, I want to challenge you to think of it as a gentle guide, not a checklist. Ask yourself, What would bring more fulfillment or joy to my work life? What would help me feel more balanced or at ease? These questions have helped me approach the future in a way that feels inspiring and motivating.

Reflecting on this past year has reminded me that growth isn’t always obvious, and progress doesn’t always look like big leaps forward. It’s often the small steps, the quiet persistence, and the simple act of showing up each day. This journey isn’t about racing to some finish line; it’s about moving forward at my own pace, honoring each small victory, and allowing myself room to grow along the way.

So, if you’ve been wondering whether you accomplished enough, know that you have. Take a moment to look back with kindness. Celebrate your wins—every single one of them—and let yourself feel proud of the journey you’re on. You’re growing, learning, and building that career one step at a time.