Make Time for What Matters (by Defining Your Wins)

Read time: 4.5 minutes

You can’t afford to waste another week chasing someone else’s definition of success.

Too many of us get caught up in the daily grind, ticking off tasks that seem important but don’t actually move us closer to what we care about. It’s like running on a treadmill—lots of movement, but no real progress.

Without clarity on what a “win” looks like for you, it’s easy to lose sight of your goals and values. You might find yourself drowning in busywork, feeling overwhelmed and unfulfilled, all while the things that truly matter slip through the cracks.

Today, I want to help you break free from this cycle.

We’ll explore how defining your wins before the week starts can empower you to focus on what matters most. I’ll share a simple yet effective tool, the Weekly Win Card, that can transform your approach to the week ahead. By the end, you’ll have a clear path to making your days more meaningful and aligned with your true priorities.

Let’s dive in!

Understanding What a Win Means to You

What does a “win” really mean to you?

For some, it’s completing a work project. For others, it might be a successful family dinner or a workout session. The truth is, everyone’s definition of success is unique, shaped by personal values and experiences.

But how often do you pause to reflect on what truly counts? If you’re like most people, you might find yourself adopting societal standards of success—job titles, salary, or material possessions.

Let’s flip the script.

Take a moment to think about what makes you feel fulfilled. What are the moments that light you up?

When you can clearly define what a win looks like for you, decision-making becomes easier, and you can start prioritizing tasks that align with what you genuinely care about, instead of getting lost in a sea of “shoulds.”

This is how you free up your time to do more of what matters most to you in work and life.

Designing a Meaningful Week

So, how can we do this in a tangible way? How can we escape the treadmill feeling when working hard to prioritize the things we care about?

It starts with a simple tool: a Weekly Win Card.

Instead of beginning each week overwhelmed and focused on all the individual tasks you hope to get done. Start with a visual reminder of your priorities for the week.

The idea is to write down 3–5 wins that, if accomplished, would characterize real progress and will bring you closer to your goals.

This card helps you maintain perspective during busy days when it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters.

Here’s how to create one in just a few minutes (without overcomplicating it):

• Set Aside Time: Dedicate 10–15 minutes on Sunday evening to reflect on the upcoming week.
• Identify Your Wins: Think about 3–5 things you want to accomplish that align with your values and long-term goals.
• Write Them Down: Jot down your wins in a way that feels right for you—a simple bullet list or handwritten in different colors.
• Keep It Visible: Place your card where you’ll see it daily. It can live on your desk or be a note on your phone—whatever works best for you.
  
  

But What If You Have Doubts About This Idea?

Now I know what you might be thinking. “That’s a great idea and all—but the last thing I need right now is another to-do list piling up alongside my existing one and all the tasks I didn’t get to last week.”

I get it. For most of my working career, I’ve sworn by a to-do list. But they seemed to grow faster than I could check items off, and it felt like I was always behind.

So, I have reservations about adding more for the sake of it.

But that’s not the point of a Weekly Win Card.

Its job is to help you stay on track—not become another list of more action items to check off. Here’s how to ensure it doesn’t become just that:

One:

Refer back to your card throughout the week. When you feel overwhelmed or distracted, take a moment to realign with your defined wins.

Remember, it’s normal to stray from your plan. Life happens—especially if you work from home, or have young kids. The odds of things going exactly as planned are rare.

But having that visual reminder can help you get back on course.

Two:

Consider scheduling mini check-ins during the week to assess your progress. Ask yourself: Are you staying true to your wins? Are your efforts progressing toward what matters, or are you just running on the treadmill?

Celebrating Your Wins

Creating a Weekly Win Card every Sunday evening is an easy practice if you commit to it. But consistently celebrating the wins you hit—no matter how big or small—can just as easily become an afterthought (or an absent thought).

So, it’s crucial not to overlook the impact this has. Every time you achieve a defined win for the week, take a moment to acknowledge it. These celebrations can be simple—giving yourself a joyful high five or sharing your win with a friend or community.

But the benefits extend beyond just feeling good in the moment.

Celebrating your wins helps foster a deeper sense of empowerment and self-confidence. When you recognize your achievements, no matter how small, you reinforce the belief that you are capable of making progress. This mindset shift can transform how you approach challenges, making you more resilient and focused on what truly matters.

Plus, taking time to celebrate creates a positive feedback loop (my favorite).

The more you acknowledge your successes, the more motivated you become to continue defining and pursuing weekly wins. It reminds you that your efforts are meaningful and aligned with your core values—the ultimate goal.

The Bottom Line

As we wrap up, remember that defining your wins is just the beginning.

Take a moment to grab a piece of paper or open a note on your phone. Spend a few minutes outlining your wins for the week ahead.

This simple practice can transform how you approach your days, helping you focus and free up time to do more of what matters most to you.

Now go out there and make this week count by prioritizing what aligns with your values and brings you fulfillment!

Also, I’d love to hear about it! Connect with me on the social media platform most relevant to you, @ronaldlbanks, or shoot me an email and share your wins, or let me know how the Weekly Win Card has worked for you.