How's your win sheet looking so far in 2026?
A gentle reminder to record your wins
This is probably the topic I mention the most when managing and mentoring.
(My other soapbox is content pillars.)
I talk about win sheets a lot simply because I believe they’re so important for remembering what you’ve done, but also giving you a confidence boost when your imposter syndrome is shouting louder than normal.
Every time I have managed or mentored someone new, one of the first things I’d advise that person to do is set up a win sheet. This is somewhere that you can store moments from work that make you feel proud, but also reassure you that you’re good at what you do.
That last bit is crucial.
Wins are different for everyone so don’t compare what feels like an achievement for you with someone else. Over-comparison gets you nowhere.
If you hate doing something that someone else loves, but you do it anyway that’s a win! Frankly, it’s still a win if you love doing it.
Here are some ideas if you’re not sure if you’ve ‘won’ this week:
Personal feedback
Public praise
Leading a meeting
Speaking up in a meeting
A presentation
A wicked social post
Campaign launch
Putting yourself out of your comfort zone
Something you’ve never done before
What does a win sheet look like?
A win sheet doesn’t have to be some OTT format with multiple tabs or widgets, but something easy-to-use that, most importantly, works for you and your brain.
My version is a spreadsheet (Google Sheets) with some simple headings and a supporting Google Drive folder where I dump in screenshots, images and videos – or any other relevant files.
The headings on that spreadsheet are:
Date
Task/Title
Brief description
Feedback
Link to ‘asset’ (something you’ve put in the corresponding folder or a URL)
Misc./Notes
Doing this not only gives you a reference point for your work when it comes to 121s or appraisals but, critically, it’s something to read when you’re feeling low or having a particularly crap day. Keeping on-top of your win sheet means you can be kind to future you – quickly dampening any negative self-talk that might start to creep into your brain.
Here’s a real-life example from a friend who messaged me just this week:
Just want to say I am using your ‘win sheet’ idea - so helpful thanks! I can never remember what I did when it comes to the end of the year!
They know who they are so thank you for the message. Wishing you all the best in your appraisal – not that you need it!
(Don’t forget, you can also record personal achievements. You might do this separately to work wins, or combine them altogether).
My 2026 wins
In the interest of transparency, here are some of mine for 2026 so far:
Won more work
Secured my first speaking gig since starting Chapter
Made an introduction to a business that resulted in them appointing a new non-executive director
Attended several industry events
Two referrals from existing clients
More new business meetings
Paid business VAT (this is of course good and bad, but still a milestone!)
What are yours?