What if you're already winning? šŸ†

Stop waiting for massive wins and start celebrating what's actually working

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Hey Friends,

We're sitting here with our Big A## Calendar spread out on the table (shoutout to Jesse Itzler for making planning actually fun), and Aaron just threw out his 47th brilliant idea of the week while I'm over here trying to figure out which of our Q2 goals we actually hit. šŸ˜… 

Classic us: He's the visionary who sees possibility everywhere, I'm the one making sure we don't chase every shiny object that pops into his beautifully chaotic brain.

But here's what we've learned in our quarterly review madness—we've been measuring the wrong things. I've been waiting for these massive "I crushed it!" moments to feel successful, while Aaron's been quietly celebrating the small wins I completely missed. Like how we've actually been consistently showing up for each other during stressful work days, or how we've gotten better at course-correcting without getting frustrated (okay, I've gotten better at that part).

Turns out, we were winning way more than we realized. We just weren't looking in the right places.

This week, we're sharing our "Look Back, Level Up" approach—because sometimes the best way to move forward is to actually see how far you've already come. And trust me, if a recovering perfectionist and a beautifully scattered idea machine can figure this out, so can you.

Let's get into it.

What's Inside

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The Secret Weapon for HR

The best HR advice comes from people who’ve been in the trenches.

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Every newsletter is written by Hebba Youssef — a Chief People Officer who’s seen it all and is here to share what actually works (and what doesn’t). We’re talking real talk, real strategies, and real support — all with a side of humor to keep you sane.

Because HR shouldn’t feel like a thankless job. And you shouldn’t feel alone in it.

🧠 This Week’s Shared Shift

Review what's working—then set a new target together.

As we hit the midpoint of 2025, it's time to pause and celebrate how far you've come as a team. The most successful couples don't just set goals—they regularly review their progress, acknowledge their wins, and recalibrate for what's next.

This week, you're going to become progress detectives, uncovering the small victories that are building your bigger dreams.

šŸ“Š Why It Works

Small wins compound faster when measured and celebrated.

Research consistently shows that couples score higher in relationship satisfaction and stability when both partners are similar in psychological metrics such as life goals, and couples with a higher level of marital goal concordance are more likely to be more harmonized in their daily interactions and are motivated to engage in dyadic coping, leading to more satisfying relationships.

Here's the science behind why this works:

  • Recognition reinforces behavior: When you acknowledge what's working, your brain releases dopamine, making you more likely to repeat those positive actions

  • Shared celebration strengthens bonds: Celebrating wins together creates positive associations with your partnership and goals

  • Course correction prevents derailment: Regular check-ins help you spot what's not working before small issues become big problems

  • Momentum builds on momentum: Success breeds success when you can see your progress clearly

šŸ¤ Do This Together

Your 20-minute "Look Back, Level Up" session:

Step 1: Win Inventory (10 minutes)

  • Each person shares 3 specific wins from the past quarter (health, relationship, personal growth, finances—anything counts)

  • Listen without judgment and celebrate each other's victories

  • Write them down so you can reference them later

Step 2: Trend Spotting (5 minutes)

  • Look for patterns: What habits or approaches led to these wins?

  • Identify your "success formula" as a couple

Step 3: Next Level Target (5 minutes)

  • Choose ONE new goal to focus on for the next 90 days

  • Make it specific, measurable, and something you can work on together

  • Write it down where you'll both see it daily

⚔Customizing It to Your Level or Goal

If you're just starting your journey together: Focus on relationship wins first (better communication, more quality time, etc.) before adding external goals. Build the foundation of celebrating together.

If you're seasoned goal-setters: Challenge yourselves to find wins in areas you typically overlook. Maybe it's small acts of kindness, improved conflict resolution, or better work-life balance.

If you're in a rough patch: Look for micro-wins and survival victories. Sometimes the win is "we didn't give up" or "we had one really good conversation this week."

If you're crushing your goals: Time to level up! Set a stretch goal that requires you both to grow and support each other in new ways.

šŸ’¬ Couple’s Check-in Prompt

"What are we proud of—and what would thriving in the next 90 days look like for us?"

Take turns answering both parts. Be specific about what "thriving" means to each of you, and find the overlap where your visions align.

šŸ“ˆ Momentum Marker

Schedule your next quarterly review right now. Put it in both of your calendars for October 4th, 2025. Consistency in reflection creates consistency in results.

Bonus points: Create a simple shared document or note where you can jot down wins throughout the quarter, making your next review even richer.

šŸ” TL;DR

→ Pause. Celebrate 3 wins each from the past quarter. Spot what's working.

→ Set ONE new 90-day target together. Schedule your next review.

→ Research shows couples with shared goals experience increased relationship satisfaction, motivation, and connection—progress compounds when you measure and celebrate it as a team.

šŸ” FORWARD THIS TO A BUSY COUPLE

Your health goals don’t have to compete with your partner.
This is the kind of email they’ll thank you for later.

Let’s build your foundation—side by side.

— Jaylene + Aaron

P.S…Three quick asks before you go. 

  • Give us some ā¤ļø on Instagram @syncyourwellness

  • If you have a requested topic to be discussed regarding couples health strategies, email us at [email protected] and let us know. 

  • Take 1 moment to answer this poll. šŸ‘‡

P.P.S….Looking to align your health goals as a couple, prioritize your fitness and nutrition? Check out these top guides:

šŸ“š Resources: