Ever find yourself feeling like you haven’t achieved anything, despite being busy? It’s a common experience, and the truth is, our brains can play some pretty convincing tricks on us.

I recently had a client who expressed frustration over feeling unproductive while away on a trip. She was convinced that she hadn’t done much. But as we dug deeper during our coaching session, it became clear that she had actually accomplished some significant tasks—like filing her tax return and creating B-roll footage for future reels—all while juggling the demands of travel.

It wasn’t until partway through our conversation that the realisation hit her: she had achieved a lot more than she initially thought.

This example perfectly illustrates how our brains can distort our sense of achievement. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “I haven’t done anything,” especially when we’re under pressure or feeling overwhelmed. However, that’s precisely the moment when it’s crucial to stop and ask ourselves: Is that true?

More often than not, the answer is no.

The brain loves to frame things in black and white, making it seem like we’re either wildly successful or complete failures. But reality usually lies somewhere in the middle. We often forget the smaller wins that contribute to our overall success and growth.

Reflecting on Achievements and Insights

When you pause to reflect, you might realise that even if you haven’t accomplished everything you set out to do, you’ve likely made strides in other areas of your life. Perhaps you were focused on family, self-care, or personal growth instead of ticking off tasks on your to-do list. Those achievements are equally valuable and can offer important insights into your priorities and what truly matters to you.

On the other hand, if you find that there were tasks you needed to complete but didn’t, consider whether there might have been a thought error at play. Were you setting unrealistic expectations for yourself? Did self-doubt prevent you from taking action? Was there a fear hiding that stopped us from moving forward?

Identifying these patterns can help you adjust your approach moving forward.

It’s important to recognise that it’s okay not to do everything on your list. Life is dynamic, and sometimes we have to shift our focus based on what’s happening around us.

Celebrating Your Wins

Celebrating our wins — no matter how small — is essential for cultivating a positive mindset and maintaining motivation. This is especially important for busy women, like many of my clients, who often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities.

When we acknowledge our achievements, we can counteract the negative narratives our minds create. It’s not just about the big milestones; it’s about recognising the everyday tasks that contribute to our overall success.

If you’re ready to explore how to silence that self-doubt and start celebrating your wins, I’d love to help you. Let’s work together to achieve the goals you’re setting for yourself by making your brain work for you instead of against you.

Send me a message today, and let’s get started with 1:1 coaching!