You might already realize, Reader, that we humans tend to give more importance to things we've seen or noticed lately.

Scientists call this the recency effect.

It's why a lawyer's closing arguments can sway the case.

Or why the M&Ms beckon you at the checkout counter (even though you just came for brussels sprouts and eggs, dammit!! Ahem . . .)

No matter how aware we are, our beautiful brains weigh what we see NOW more than what we saw THEN.

It's the same in our lives at work.

I particularly see this mental hiccup reveal itself when it comes to the dreaded annual review. 😈

Here's how.

Take Alex.

Alex is a senior-level marketing director who came to me after getting a disappointing review and raise a few years ago. That year, Alex had led a company-wide brand refresh that launched in March. His work was highly visible then, and as planned, the new brand was absorbed into the work over time, becoming the new normal.

During reviews that November, Alex found that his busy EVP boss had completely forgotten the amount of work that went into the brand refresh. It wasn't new in her mind--it was normal.

So she gave him a middling review.

Alex was pissed and on the verge of leaving. 🔥 His friend referred him to me before he said or did something out of frustration and anger.

(Note: getting yourself some coaching is a LOT easier and healthier than staying in the swirl of anger and frustration. 😇)

Here's what I clearly saw in his story:
His boss, suffering from the recency effect (as all humans do) had shuffled the brand refresh to the back of her brain.

So, when October came and she's filling out performance review forms late one night to cross it off her list, she's thinking of September as a representative month, forgetting the pain of March.

And Alex (dear Alex!) didn't do a self-review and remind her of it.

Alex isn't alone. And his boss isn't bad or lazy, but just human. We ALL do this in some form.

What I shared with Alex—and now share with you—is this:

Yup, the work that's in your control starts now, no matter when (or if) you have an annual review.

​That's why we've updated my guide, "What to Do Before Your Annual Review," here. ​

⭐️ You're going to want to share this with a friend, because it includes scripts and strategies you can use year-round to keep your work visible and viable. ⭐️

So how 'bout you, Reader? What do YOU want to capture from the year to date to remind yourself—or someone else—NOW? Hit REPLY and tell me what comes to mind. I always love hearing from you!

So even if your company doesn't hold "official" reviews, NOW is still the perfect time to capture what you've done in 2026—and what you continue to do that makes a difference. And I promise you, it's a lot more than you think.

Until next time, be well, and keep soaring!

Always, Darcy

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P.S. We have a few spots in January for your team's Start the Year Strong event. These are always a great way to help your team recognize all they've done, collectively honor the work that's gone into it, and to get refreshed and ready to tackle the year that's ahead. It's also a perfect way to invest that yet-unused training or consulting budget that you'll lose if not spent! Hit REPLY and let's talk more, or introduce me to the person on your team who's in charge, and let's go!! --D