We often think of progress as achieving a big goal or experiencing a major breakthrough. These big wins are great, but it’s not necessarily the grand gestures or major achievements that propel us forward. Rather, it’s the small wins that often go unnoticed. Our job is to notice, acknowledge and celebrate them.
Whether we’re trying to finish a work project or stick to a fitness routine, everyday progress measured in small wins is what really boosts our intrinsic motivation. The more often we can enjoy these little moments of progress, the more likely we are to keep going.
But how do small wins impact us?
Here’s the deal, any setback can feel much heavier than the joy we get from a win. You’re familiar with this, right? You do a bunch of awesome things, but then there’s this one little hiccup and it keeps popping up in your mind, overshadowing all the good work you’ve done. That’s why it’s crucial to be mindful of our small wins and to keep an eye on progress.
Experiencing a sense of progress, no matter how small, triggers a positive feedback loop, releasing a surge of motivation and reinforcing the belief that progress is attainable. It motivates us to tackle the next challenge with enthusiasm and determination.
Like a snowball rolling down a hill, small wins accumulate and build momentum over time. As we witness our efforts resulting in tangible progress, we’re more likely to stay committed to our goals. This momentum is essential for pushing through challenging periods and learning to see challenges as opportunities to succeed, not opportunities to fail.
Small wins act as buffers against setbacks and failures. In the face of challenges, the memory of past successes can provide the resilience needed to persevere. So, document all your small victories: that fantastic connection you made last week? Scribble it down as a high-five moment. The nugget of new information you discovered? Another gold star for you. The situation where you remained cool instead of spiraling into panic? You’ve won again!