Did you win this year? I know—2024 was a crazy year. But even with everything going on, what wins did you have? The goals you set out, did you achieve them? Even if you didn’t reach those goals, are you the same person you were? How much did you change?

Reflecting on Your Wins: Why It Matters

When you’re in the middle of the work that you’re doing, it’s really hard to see what you’ve accomplished. You’re battling deadlines, changing priorities, late nights, maybe other coworkers. Until the project is done, we don’t assess where we are and what we’ve done.

How can we give ourselves credit for what we’ve done, even in the middle of a project? Even in the middle of a big career change?

The end of the year is a good time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished this year.

We’re looking back, to move forward. It’s not nostalgia we’re dipping into, though: it’s building belief in ourselves that we can accomplish a lot.

Why do we find it so hard to stop and smell the roses that we spent so much time and effort planting?

Breaking the Cycle: Celebrate Your Successes

We’re conditioned to chase results, but not celebrate them. Our culture often glorifies the grind and the hustle—always doing, achieving, and pushing for the next big thing. When you’re focused on hitting the next milestone, pausing can feel like you’re losing precious time.

But here’s the thing: if you never stop to reflect, you’re missing out on the fuel that reflection provides. Achievements lose their meaning if you don’t take a moment to acknowledge them.

Why do we do this? Sometimes it’s because we think our work isn’t enough. Other times, we’re so used to the chaos that quiet moments feel uncomfortable. But when you embrace those pauses, you’re not just building a career, but you’re building a life that’s fulfilling.

How can you start? Give this a try: at the end of each week, write down three things you accomplished. It doesn’t matter how big or small they are, it all counts. Maybe you tackled a tough project at work, or maybe you simply kept going during a difficult time. By making reflection a regular practice, you’ll train your mind to see the good amid the grind.

Now let’s talk about getting curious about your abilities and capabilities. Growth doesn’t always come from doing what you already know you’re good at. It comes from stepping into the unknown and asking, “What if?” Take a moment to think about something you’ve been avoiding because it felt a bit too risky or just outside your comfort zone. That’s where your potential is waiting.

Stretch Yourself: Turning Curiosity into Growth

For 2025, set one stretch goal—something that excites and scares you. Maybe it’s leading a project, switching industries, or building a new skill. Then ask yourself: What’s already within me that I can lean into more? Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come from doubling down on what’s working for you, and not reinventing the wheel.

One of the great things about curiosity is that you don’t have to have all the answers. You become an explorer: checking out possibilities and learning as you go. When you approach your career as an adventure rather than a checklist, your possibilities and opportunities can expand in unexpected ways.

As you are exploring your possibilities, who do you have in your corner?

You shouldn’t feel like you have to fly solo to have the success you want. Even the most independent professionals need support. Who are the people cheering you on, offering advice, or just listening when things feel overwhelming? Your team doesn’t have to be massive—it’s about having a few key relationships that help give you stability and perspective.

If you’re not sure who’s in your corner, take inventory. Look for coworkers who’ve had your back during tough projects, friends who believe in you no matter what, or mentors who push you to see your potential. These are your allies.

And if you feel like you’re building this network from scratch, start small. Reach out to someone whose career you admire or join a professional group where you can meet like-minded people. Building relationships takes time, but it’s one of the most valuable investments you can make.

Heading into 2025, remember this: the journey is yours, and you don’t have to walk it alone. Surround yourself with people who help you grow, celebrate your wins, and remind you of what’s possible when you believe in yourself.

When you look in the mirror today, you seeing someone who's weathered challenges, embraced opportunities, and grown stronger through it all. The real victory isn't just in what you've accomplished—though those achievements matter—it's in how you've learned to approach each day with curiosity, surround yourself with supporters, and recognize your own worth along the way.

Your next big opportunity could start with a single conversation. This week, take a meaningful step: connect with a career coach to gain clarity on your goals, reach out to a mentor for guidance, or join a career group that inspires you. A career coach can help you map out your path, overcome challenges, and stay accountable as you build momentum for 2025. Don’t wait—your future self is waiting for you.