Do You Do This?
Recently a coaching client shared that she doesn’t take the time to celebrate all her successes. She’d been working really hard to overcome some obstacles and while she could see progress, she was more focused on the big win down the road. It wasn’t until a conversation with her daughter that she noticed she tends to skip right over all the little moments.
Do you forget to celebrate the little moments?
If you said yes, you’re not alone.
Not appreciating the small wins is a common problem. We can get so focused on the next big thing, that we ignore all the mini victories along the way. But there is value in acknowledging and celebrating the little wins, just as much as the big ones.
Find The Value
The value of little wins hit home personally a few months ago.
I joined a challenge at my local gym this year. I didn’t expect to win considering I was only a few months out from knee surgery. Now while I would love to have hit my goal weight, I really appreciated the mini victories. I was able to run for the first time in over a yea. I got my range of motion back while dropping a few inches and pounds! My overall fitness level improved and I’m ready to take things to the next level.
And that is the value. The small wins are what will get you to the next level. They help us get comfortable with moving our comfort zone and build endurance for the long haul.
If yours is a long-term goal, it can be easy to get discouraged if you’re “not there yet.” Consider the small wins as practice to keep you motivated for the big one.
Taking time to celebrate the small wins reinforces the new habits or skills you are creating and reaffirms your commitment to the goal.
Stepping Stones to Greatness
After our conversation, my client’s takeaway was that the small wins were worth celebrating or at least acknowledging.
By taking the time to give herself a pat on the back for a job well done, she would be motivating herself and teaching her daughter to appreciate all that she does.
She committed to recognize the successes that she has along the way to her big goals. The recognition doesn’t have to be a big party, but enough of a pause to give thanks for what she’s accomplished so far.
Little wins to her are now stepping stones to lift her higher and higher until she reaches her goal.
Think of it as climbing a five story building—one step, one flight at a time!
Enjoy Your Journey
It’s not just reaching the goal that matters, the many lessons learned along the way count too. They are a part of your story.
Your big win may be miles down the road. You’ll need the motivation and energy that comes from celebrating the small wins along the way. Taking the time to do a happy dance for the wins along the way can really add fuel to the fire so you can keep working on the bigger goal.
As you climb your stepping stones, consider keeping a journal to track your progress. Capture how you feel about your accomplishments.
- What worked?
- What gave you the hardest time?
- How did you overcome the challenges?
- What scared you the most?
- What did you learn about yourself?
- What did you accomplish that surprised you?
- What would you do differently?
- Was it as hard/easy as you expected?
- What do you want to do next?
What stepping stones do you have to celebrate? I’d love to hear from you and help you celebrate your wins!