Imagine talking with a client about raising your rates. Or maybe you’re in a meeting trying to land your first client.
Either way, you can feel a tingling in your stomach, maybe you stammer trying to form the words.
Take a deep breath.
Now, imagine you could share a folder full of glowing testimonials, screenshots of great posts, and proof of your skills.
That’s what an Invisible Wins file gives you.
It’s more than a folder stored on your computer. Done right, it’s a treasure trove that can:
- Boost your confidence on tough days.
- Share proof for negotiating fees.
- Help differentiate yourself from other freelancers.
- Remind you of how far you’ve come (even if you feel you’re in a slump).
Most of us live in the gap between what we’ve done and what we want to do. It’s easy to forget the progress you’ve made.
Creating an Invisible Wins folder — and getting in the habit of filling it — will give you one location to store all your hard-won “evidence” and help you remember all you’ve done.
Once I started my Invisible Wins folder and got in the habit of adding to it, I realized I was constantly making progress even if I didn’t feel like it. Additionally, I can share it with potential clients, which helps me stand out in crowded markets.
Here’s how to start yours and build a new habit that serves you and your writing business.
Start Your Invisible Wins File Today
It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it might mean creating a new habit for you. Here’s how to do it…
1. Decide Where It Lives
Do you want to save screenshots to a file on your computer, or do you want to get more technical with a Notion or Google Sheet? Either is fine, but keep it consistent so you know where to find them.
2. Capture Client Praise
When a client says, “You are a valuable team player and helped us increase our YoY revenue by 30%,” don’t just smile and move on. Instead, screenshot it. Drop a copy in your Wins file. Post it on social media (with their permission).
3. Track Audience and Social Wins
Did one of your LinkedIn posts bring you a wave of new followers? Screenshot your analytics. If someone shared your post or wrote a heartfelt message, save it.
Such “proof” might seem small, but when you add them up, it shows your impact.
4. Keep a Journal of Your Learning
Invisible Wins can also be internal. Anytime you complete a course, try a new tool, or master a new framework, add it to your list. Here are some examples:
- Finished AWAI’s The IDEAL 50 Method™
- Learned to set up Mailchimp
- Explored ways to use AI to shorten research time
Even “small” milestones matter. Track your first pitch or your first client project. These demonstrate skillset stacking, which builds confidence and shines through when you interact with clients. You can give examples of what you’ve done when you talk to potential clients.
5. Use AI to Organize (Optional)
You don’t need to use AI to build your Invisible Wins file, but if you enjoy tech, here are two ways it can help:
- Auto-tag wins: If you’re capturing screenshots, testimonials, or notes in a place like Notion or Google Sheets, it’ll get unwieldy quickly. You can use Zapier to set up an auto-tagging feature, so the relevant tags go straight to your Notion or Google Sheets.
Zapier workflow name: Tag my wins
Trigger: “New Screenshot Added to Google Drive Folder”
Action: “Send to Notion Database — auto-tag as ‘Client Praise,’ ‘Audience Proof,’ and ‘Learning?” Then, you can filter according to type.
- Summarize Praise: Paste a long testimonial into AI and ask it to pull out the two strongest lines. Now you’ve got a punchy quote for your portfolio.
Think of AI as your assistant for keeping the file neat and organized, but don’t let the tech get in the way of the habit. You can just as easily keep a file of screenshots on your computer.
6. Review Your File
This file can come in handy for a few different situations.
Everybody has days when they doubt themselves. Your Invisible Wins file can remind you of how far you’ve come.
When pitching a potential client, you can easily share relevant screenshots as social proof because you have everything in one place.
Negotiating a rate? Showcase what you’ve done and how others have responded.
This file can be a powerful business tool.
7. Make It a Habit
Every time you deliver a project or finish a course, ask yourself what you learned and what’s worth saving. Then, document it.
The Wrap Up
It’s easy to keep chasing the next project and forget what you’ve already accomplished. But the truth is, you build momentum by stacking your proof. Your Invisible Wins file offers a guide.
Start today by saving one “win.” Even if you’re brand-new, finishing a course, or receiving a compliment from a peer or a teacher/trainer, these build momentum and boost your confidence. In a year, you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come.
We’d love to hear from you! Share a recent win below so we can celebrate you!
