We tend to think change happens in big, dramatic moments—the bold career move, the sudden breakthrough, the overnight success. But real progress? It’s built on small wins. The tiny moments where we choose to show up, take action, and push forward, even when it doesn’t feel significant.
Small wins matter because they create momentum. They prove to us that progress is possible, that we’re capable, that we can trust ourselves to keep going. And over time, they add up to something much bigger than we could have imagined.
The Science Behind Small Wins
Research by Teresa Amabile, a professor at Harvard Business School, highlights the importance of small wins in motivation and long-term success. Her studies found that making progress, even in tiny increments, is one of the most powerful motivators. This is known as the "progress principle"—when we achieve small successes, our brain releases dopamine, reinforcing positive behavior and making it easier to continue.
In history, we’ve seen small wins build into revolutionary changes. The Civil Rights Movement, for instance, wasn’t won in a single moment—it was a series of small victories, from sit-ins to legal rulings, that accumulated into a massive shift. In business, companies like Amazon didn’t start as giants; Jeff Bezos famously began by selling books out of his garage, taking small steps that eventually built an empire.
Personal Lessons in Small Wins
I’ve had to learn this lesson over and over. I used to get stuck in the cycle of waiting for the “right time” or for motivation to strike. But I’ve realized that the best way to create change is to start small. To celebrate progress instead of perfection. To take the next step instead of worrying about the whole journey.
One of the most memorable times I experienced the power of small wins was when I was working on a big writing project. I kept putting it off, thinking I needed large chunks of time to make meaningful progress. But then I committed to writing just 200 words a day. It seemed insignificant at first, but over weeks and months, those small daily efforts stacked up into full chapters, then an entire book.
Another example came when I decided to improve my health. I used to set massive, unsustainable goals, only to give up when they felt overwhelming. But when I started focusing on one small change—drinking more water, walking 10 minutes a day, swapping out one unhealthy meal—I finally built habits that lasted. Over time, those small actions completely transformed my routine and my well-being.
Why Small Wins Work
Small wins work because they keep you in motion. They create a sense of accomplishment, making it easier to stay committed. They also remove the pressure of perfection—rather than needing to make a giant leap, you just focus on the next right step. And perhaps most importantly, small wins build identity. When you show up every day, even in tiny ways, you start to see yourself differently. You’re not "trying" to be a writer, an entrepreneur, a runner—you are one.
How to Leverage Small Wins
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by where you want to go, zoom in. What’s one thing you can do today? One step, one choice, one small win? Because when you stack enough of them together, they turn into something remarkable.
Here are some ways to make small wins a part of your life:
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Break goals into micro-goals – Instead of focusing on the big, final result, set milestones along the way.
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Track your progress – A simple journal, checklist, or app can help you recognize just how far you’ve come.
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Celebrate every win – Even if it’s small, acknowledging progress helps reinforce positive habits.
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Be patient with setbacks – Small wins build over time, but so does resilience. If you hit a roadblock, focus on restarting with small steps.
Resources to Help You Focus on Small Wins:
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The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy – A guide to how small, consistent actions create massive success.
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Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg – Practical ways to build habits that stick, starting with small wins.
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Atomic Habits by James Clear – A masterclass on how incremental improvements lead to lasting change.
The biggest successes in life don’t come from one single moment of brilliance. They come from showing up, again and again, stacking one small win on top of another until one day, you look back and realize just how far you’ve come.
What’s one small win you can create today?