We’re brilliant at looking forwards. At setting goals. At planning what’s next.
But taking time to genuinely look back and celebrate what we’ve achieved? To acknowledge the obstacles we’ve overcome, the solutions we’ve created, the progress we’ve made? That’s something we tend to skip right past.
And I think that’s a real shame.
Because that reflection, that celebration – it’s not indulgent. It’s strategic. It’s how we build sustainable success.
Why We Skip This Step
We’re always measuring ourselves against where we want to be, not where we’ve come from. We see the gap between where we are and our vision, and we forget to acknowledge the distance we’ve already travelled.
Part of it is that creative entrepreneurs are naturally forward-thinking. We’re always imagining what’s possible, always seeing the next evolution. That’s part of what makes us brilliant at what we do. But it also means we forget to pause and appreciate what we’ve built.
And part of it is cultural. We’re surrounded by messaging about productivity, constant growth, pushing forwards. Rest feels indulgent. Celebration feels like too much. Looking back feels like wasted time.
But taking time to acknowledge your progress isn’t self-indulgent – it’s essential.
One Question to Reflect On
Here’s what I’d love you to consider over the next few days:
Think back through this year. Which projects or work allowed your natural strengths to shine? When did you create the most value with the least struggle? What types of clients brought out your best work?
Notice the patterns. Where were your exceptional strengths showing up naturally, even if you’ve been dismissing them as “just what I do”?
Because those patterns? They’re showing you exactly where to focus next year. They’re showing you what to build around, what to lean into, what makes you genuinely exceptional.
Take some time with this question. Maybe over the next few days, maybe in a quiet moment between Christmas and New Year.
You might be surprised by what you see.
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