The Importance Of Small Wins

We are obsessed with the 'Big Win.' The graduation, the promotion, the viral moment. We spend our lives waiting for these huge milestones, and in between, we feel like we are just idling. But life is 99% 'in-between' moments. If you only allow yourself to feel good when you hit a major goal, you are going to be miserable most of the time. The secret to a hopeful life is learning how to celebrate the micro-wins. The small stuff is what actually keeps the engine running.

Did you make your bed today? That is a win. Did you choose a healthy lunch when you really wanted junk? That is a win. Did you finally send that awkward email you’ve been dreading? Win. These things might seem trivial, but they are evidence that you are in control of your life. Every small win is a hit of dopamine that tells your brain, 'We can do this.' When you stack enough of those hits together, you start to feel unstoppable. It’s about building a momentum of competence.

Hope is a muscle that gets stronger with use. When you ignore your small wins, you are letting that muscle atrophy. You start to believe that only the 'big' things count, which makes the big things feel even more intimidating. But when you acknowledge the small stuff, you realize you are winning all the time. You start to see yourself as a person who gets things done. That shift in self-image is the most powerful tool you have for staying hopeful in a tough season.

Stop waiting for someone else to give you a gold star. Be your own hype man. If you had a productive morning, tell yourself 'Good job.' If you handled a difficult conversation with grace, take a second to be proud of that. This isn't about being arrogant; it’s about being observant. You are doing a lot of things right every single day. Start noticing them. The more you look for wins, the more you will find.

Today, I want you to name three tiny things you did well. It doesn't matter how small they are. By acknowledging them, you are validating your own effort. You are proving to yourself that you are moving forward, even if it’s just by an inch. Those inches eventually add up to miles. Don't underestimate the power of a small step in the right direction. It is the most reliable way to stay hopeful for the long haul.