Faye McDonough

While not everything is perfect, I know celebrating my wins works, boosting my confidence and mood.

It took me a while to gather these ones, but it’s an exercise I never regret. There’s something powerful about taking stock of what you’ve accomplished, especially during the long days of January when motivation can feel harder to find.

Monthly reflection has become a non-negotiable habit for me – not because everything always goes smoothly, but because acknowledging progress helps build momentum for what’s ahead.

Why Celebrating Wins Matters

We’re often so focused on what’s next, what needs fixing, or what we haven’t achieved yet that we skip past the very real progress we’ve made.

Celebrating wins isn’t about perfectionism or pretending everything is going brilliantly. It’s about recognising the small steps, the learning moments, and the breakthrough achievements that collectively move us forward.

This practice has genuinely boosted my confidence and mood, particularly during challenging periods when it’s easy to lose sight of progress.

Professional Wins That Made a Difference

1. Delivering Efficiency That Actually Works

Successfully delivered a year-long project that cut portfolio reporting from 3 days (3 people) to 3 hours (just me). Chuffed.

This wasn’t just about technology or process improvement – it was about understanding how work really gets done and finding ways to make it significantly better. Great feedback from Finance, Risk and, of course, my Portfolio Management Team too.

Projects like this remind you why persistence through complex challenges pays off. What started as a frustrating, time-consuming process became something streamlined and manageable.

Your reflection: What repetitive task in your work could benefit from this kind of systematic improvement?

2. Building a Reputation for Getting Things Done

Building on my reputation for delivering results, regardless of the challenges or hard graft required. A colleague said “Faye just gets stuff done.”

The straightforwardness of this feedback put a big smile on my face. Sometimes the most meaningful recognition comes from simple observations about how you approach work.

There’s something valuable about being known as someone who follows through, especially in environments where many good ideas get stuck in planning phases.

Your reflection: What reputation are you building through your daily actions and approach to work?

3. Showing Vulnerability in Professional Development

Showed vulnerability at a Personal Development workshop. Uncomfortable definitely, especially with new people, but I’m a firm believer in getting back what you put in.

If you don’t own it or share it, you can’t work on it. Bravery and honesty is where it’s at.

Professional development often feels safer when we present polished versions of ourselves, but real growth happens when we’re willing to be honest about our challenges and areas for improvement.

Your reflection: Where could vulnerability serve your professional development better?

Key Learnings That Stuck

The Power of Reframing

Reframing a challenge makes a world of difference. For example: “What is this here to teach me?” instead of “Not again!”

This simple shift in perspective transforms obstacles from sources of frustration into opportunities for learning and growth. It doesn’t make challenges disappear, but it changes how you engage with them.

Your reflection: What current challenge could benefit from a reframe?

Time Away Always Pays Off

Time away from family and work is always valuable.

This sounds obvious, but it’s easy to convince yourself that you can’t afford the time. January reminded me that stepping away – even briefly – creates space for perspective and renewal.

Your reflection: When did you last take proper time away, and what’s stopping you from scheduling more?

Energy-Giving Conversations Are Essential

Make time for energy-giving conversations, especially when you think there’s no room. Catch-ups with two inspirational Cambridge CEO’s, Nicky and Heather were highlights.

These conversations often get pushed aside when we’re busy, but they’re exactly what we need most during hectic periods. The people who energise you aren’t a luxury – they’re essential fuel for everything else you’re trying to accomplish.

Your reflection: Who gives you energy, and when will you next prioritise time with them?

Looking Ahead

Coming up this month:

• 2024 Performance Reviews
• Improving customer data organisation (cue Radiohead’s “Everything in its Right Place”)
• Celebrating my eldest son’s 9th birthday and 9 years of parenthood

The mix of professional projects and personal milestones captures what January often feels like – a blend of work momentum and life’s ongoing rhythm.

The Practice of Monthly Reflection

Taking time to gather wins, learnings, and what’s ahead creates a helpful pause in the constant forward motion of work and life.

It’s not about perfection or having everything figured out. It’s about acknowledging progress, extracting lessons, and building confidence for what’s next.

Questions for your own January reflection:

• What wins are you proud of, even if they felt small at the time?
• What challenges taught you something valuable?
• Which relationships or conversations energised you most?
• What would celebrating your progress look like for you?

I’d love to hear your January wins. What patterns are you noticing in your own professional and personal growth?

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January selfie note: Hoping I’ll lose the hat, big coat and tired eyes in February! Sometimes the real win is just showing up consistently, even when you’re bundled up against the cold and feeling the weight of winter days.