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The Joy of Progress

Life often feels like a race toward the next big milestone. For many of us—especially those accustomed to corporate life—success is tied to visible achievements, external recognition, or hitting that elusive “big goal.” Outcomes are celebrated, while the effort behind them often takes a back seat. Over time, this focus becomes second nature.

But what about the quieter moments of effort and intention? The smaller wins that carry us forward, even when the big victories feel out of reach?

When the hustle doesn’t deliver immediate results, self-doubt sneaks in. It whispers that we’re not doing enough or doing it right. Resilience, however, isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about honoring every step forward, even those that feel invisible to you and others.

This year brought a significant shift for me. After years of working within one organization, I embraced a portfolio career, blending work for my own company with contributions to others. The transition was messy, full of lessons, and challenged me to rethink my work habits and achievements entirely. I had to create new routines, establish structure, and stay intentional in ways I hadn’t before.

Some days, I missed the predictability of my old ways. Other days, I enjoyed the creativity and freedom I now had.

As 2024 winds down, I’ve been reflecting on what kept me moving forward, even on the hard days. It wasn’t just about achieving “big wins.” It was the smaller, quieter triumphs that strengthened my resilience.

For me, it all boils down to three simple practices. (Three has always been my favorite number for creating impact!) Here's how I’ve turned small wins into big fuel for growth—and how you can, too:

1️. Recognize Your Wins

Take a moment each day to pause and reflect. Did you finally tackle a task you’d been procrastinating on? Speak up in a meeting? Show up for yourself on a tough day?

These small wins may seem insignificant, but they’re the building blocks of effort, growth, and resilience.

2️. Preserve the Moment

Find a way to document your successes that feels meaningful to you:

Write it down: If journaling feels daunting, start small. Even jotting a quick note can help.

Take a picture: Capture a visual reminder—a completed workout, meeting notes, a joyful moment with friends, or a milestone at work.

Use technology: Apps like Daylio, Reflectly, can help you record your wins digitally.

Personally, I’ve loved snapping photos of my small wins. At first, it was unintentional—capturing moments, revisit a learning or relive a unique experience. Over time, it became a habit. I turned these photos into a video. Watching it is like seeing my resilience come to life.

3️. Reflect to Refuel

Every so often, revisit your collection of wins. Ask yourself:

· When did I step outside my comfort zone?

· Which connections did I nurture?

· What inspired me this year?

Reflection isn’t just about looking back; it’s about uncovering patterns of growth and gaining a clearer understanding of your strengths.

Why It Works

Recording successes—even the seemingly insignificant ones—gives them permanence. When your inner critic or external drivers diminish your efforts, these reminders become powerful evidence of your capabilities. Over time, this practice builds a strong foundation for navigating challenges with confidence and grace.

As 2024 comes to a close, let’s pause to honor the small wins that carried us through.

What’s one triumph—big or small—that you’re proud of this year? Share it here, and let’s inspire each other to celebrate progress and fuel up for the next chapter.

Curious, with most work being digital, what kind of things would you photograph to capture success at work?
@Laura198 I have a habit of taking a pic of an interesting slide from a webinar or an event, even ones of notes I took that I didnt want to forget or a shot of my phone screen when I am reading something that I want to revisit. They all end up in an album on my phone. This year, I stepped up to build a network outside my company. I had many reminders of the events I attended, awesome people I met as well as the walks in the city to wherever I was headed.