We asked our small business community: How do you reflect on how the quarter or year has gone for you in your business? Do you have a review process? Do you set goals? Do you celebrate wins?
I don’t always set rigid goals, but I do set intentions. For example, things I want to achieve through my work, like building better collaborations or making localisation more human and inclusive. In 2025, I made a big change: I stopped working with “clients” who didn’t even know my name, where I was just a vendor on a list. I am a vendor, yes, but I’m also a human vendor. And that mindset shift actually brought me closer to more human clients, the kind who value connection as much as collaboration. So in one word, 2025 has been: HUMAN!
Gabriela Kouahla, English to French<>Romanian Translator
I use the design thinking process, so reflection is an ongoing process, not just for set times of the year. This way of working means I try out tiny experiments in my business, then reflect and iterate regularly. Reaching goals is so much quicker and easier this way, because I'm able to adapt and pivot whenever necessary, without it becoming overwhelming or a big deal.
Lucy Patterson, Design Thinking Expert
Quarterly, I reflect on my achievements (but jot them down in a journal as I go). I encourage all my clients to do this, as it’s human nature to hyper-focus on things that go wrong. I set goals in December and run a strategy and planning session each December, so we can all go into Christmas and the New Year knowing we have a solid plan on the other side. I do celebrate wins, but only the big ones - I’d like to change this. See, we are all a work in progress!
Clare Whalley, Straight-talking business coach
Get an Etsy wishlist, give someone you love the link and a little treat fund (or transfer money to them when you want a reward). They choose from the list, so you get a surprise, but one you actually wanted. Plus, you support a small biz!
Emma Cossey, Coach and mentor for freelancers
I do a short weekly review to make a note of what I've done and how it's going, so I do make a note of my successes there. And then I do a longer review at the start of each term (I work in school terms, not quarters, as my working life is broken up by school holidays!), and a big one at the end of the year. So I record them, and I often share things on social media. But I don't necessarily go out and party or do anything significant to mark successfully completing something.
Nina Lenton, Business and marketing support
I keep a ta dah list (alongside my to-do list) so I have a reminder of my accomplishments, however large or small. I also run an 'employee reward scheme' (in my one-person business), so every time I pay my tax bill, I buy myself a gift. It's a bit of recognition of storms weathered, good work delivered and a general pat on the back for me.
Gemma Pettman, PR Strategy
I can't say it's anything more exciting than a large Malbec at the local and a packet of Scampi Fries, but you raise an interesting point…
Joanna Cummings, Editorial Director
I always get clients to choose a reward when they have a win, and it’s OFTEN cake! For me, celebrating a win is often overshadowed by ‘what next, then?’ I have bought jewellery in the past to celebrate big wins, like a necklace when I hit a certain number of podcast downloads.
Jenny Holliday, The Career Happiness Coach
I finally got my groove back after several years of dragging along, so last week I treated myself to an afternoon off for a solo stroll around the V&A to look at nice things. It was really lovely. My favourite celebrations or rewards involve taking time off to look at other kinds of art. I give myself lots of time to really hang around and look, too (which is why it's best to go solo).
Emma Cownley, Freelance writer for music + lifestyle
I did a reflection workshop with Zoë Bishop, which was about this. A weekly pause for half an hour where you look back on the week. Reflect on what went well and what didn't. Take time for a break before you start the next thing. I can't honestly say I've been very good at it, but it's a great idea and something I really need to do! (Note to self, must be better.)
Emily Airey, Virtual Assistant
I usually close the laptop, stand up, punch the air in delight, and go for a run!
Andy Goldman, LinkedIn training for Allied Health Professionals
Chocolate is my treat to myself for a job well done. It's not enough.
Ralph Cunningham, Freelance B2B Journalist & Branded Content Writer