Don't Ignore Small Wins

The magic of small wins. Why do they matter? How can celebrating them transform your mindset? And how can they become the foundation for achieving your biggest dreams? 

So, what exactly is a small win? It’s those little moments of progress that often go unnoticed. Think about it: you finally organized your desk after weeks of clutter, you stuck to your morning workout for three days in a row, or you sent that email you’ve been procrastinating on. These are small wins—bite-sized victories that don’t always feel like a big deal in the moment but add up over time.

Research backs this up. Harvard professor Teresa Amabile coined the term “the progress principle.” Her studies showed that making consistent, meaningful progress—even in small ways—boosts our motivation, confidence, and overall happiness. It’s not about landing the dream job or running a marathon overnight. It’s about the tiny steps that get you there.

But here’s the thing: most of us are wired to overlook these moments. We’re so focused on the big picture—those massive, life-changing goals—that we brush off the small stuff. And that is a mistake. Small wins are like the compound interest of personal growth. They build momentum, and momentum is everything.

Okay, so why should we make a big deal out of these little victories? Let me break it down.

First, celebrating small wins rewires your brain for success. When you acknowledge progress, your brain releases dopamine—that feel-good chemical that makes you want to keep going. It’s like giving yourself a mini high-five that says, “Hey, I’m on the right track!” Over time, this creates a positive feedback loop. You start craving progress because it feels good.

Second, small wins build confidence. Let’s say you’re trying to write a book. Writing 500 words today might not feel like much, but if you celebrate it, you’re reinforcing the belief that you can do this. Each page you write is proof you’re capable, and that confidence will snowball into tackling bigger challenges.

And third, celebrating small wins keeps you from burning out. Big goals can feel overwhelming, right? If you’re only focused on the finish line, it’s easy to get discouraged when you’re not there yet. But when you pause to celebrate the small stuff—like finishing a single chapter or even outlining an idea—you’re reminding yourself that progress is happening. It’s like refueling your motivation tank.

*By the way, I am currently writing a book and I will let you know when it is ready, so watch out for it.

Now, here’s where it gets exciting: small wins are the building blocks of massive success. Think of them as the foundation of a house. You don’t build a mansion overnight—you lay one brick at a time. Each small win is a brick, and over time, those bricks stack up into something incredible.

Let’s look at an example. Take James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits. He didn’t wake up one day and write a global bestseller. He started by committing to writing one blog post a week. That’s it. A small, manageable goal. Each post was a small win. Over the years, those posts built his expertise, audience, and confidence, eventually leading to a book that’s sold millions of copies.

Or consider someone training for a marathon. They don’t start by running 26 miles. They begin with a 10-minute jog. Then a 30-hour. Then a 1-hour. Each race, each extra mile, is a small win that builds their stamina and belief in themselves. By the time they cross the marathon finish line, it’s not just one big win—it’s the culmination of hundreds of small ones.

The lesson? Big wins aren’t accidents. They’re the result of consistent, intentional small wins stacked over time.

So, how do we make small wins a part of our daily lives? Here are three practical tips you can start using today.

Tip 1: Track your progress. Get intentional about noticing your wins. Keep a journal, use an app, or even just jot down one thing you accomplished each day. Maybe it’s “I drank water instead of soda” or “I spent less time on social media.” Writing it down makes it real and helps you see how far you’ve come.

Tip 2: Celebrate in a way that feels good to you. You don’t need confetti or a parade—unless that’s your thing! Maybe your celebration is a quick dance break, a favorite snack, or just saying out loud “I did it!”. The key is to pause and acknowledge the moment. Make it fun, make it yours, own it.

Tip 3: Share your wins with someone. Tell a friend, a partner, or even post about it online. Sharing your progress not only feels good but also creates accountability. Plus, you might inspire someone else to start chasing their own small wins.

Alright, so before I wrap up, I’ve got a challenge for you. For the next seven days, I want you to do two things: First, commit to one small, achievable goal each day. It could be making your posting online, reading 10 pages, or taking a 10-minute walk. Second, celebrate every single one of those wins. Write it down, share it, give yourself a pat on the back. At the end of the week, reflect on how it felt and how it’s shifted your mindset. I promise, you’ll be amazed at the momentum you’ve built.

Small wins might not make headlines, but they’re the secret sauce to achieving your biggest dreams. By celebrating the little steps, you’re not just building progress—you’re building a mindset that says, “I can do this, one win at a time.” So, start today. Notice your wins, celebrate them, and watch how they stack up into something extraordinary.

Thanks for stopping by and If you found this helpful, share it with a friend, leave me a review, and let me know your favorite small win on social media—I’m @jamesezenachi on X. let's connect, and keep stacking those wins.