Setting and achieving big goals (like new year resolutions) may seem like the ultimate level of productivity. But, if we’re honest, most of us struggle staying motivated and consistent while reaching big goals. Not that you should avoid setting big, long-term goals, but focus on the shorter goals you can meet along the way. Small wins are your secret weapon for creating lasting motivation, maintaining momentum, and achieving long-term success.
Understanding the impact of small wins
What are small wins? They are little goals we achieve in our day-to-day lives. They can range from completing a task on your to-do list to finishing a book you’ve been meaning to read or even just getting out of bed on time when you’d rather hit the snooze button one more time. These wins might seem insignificant at first glance, but they have a tremendous impact on our motivation.
You create your own motivation
Motivation isn’t a feeling that magically appears. It’s something we create ourselves. Waiting for motivation to strike can leave us feeling frustrated and stuck. Instead, we can take charge and actively cultivate motivation through our daily actions.
How do we create motivation? According to research by Teresa Amabile, a professor at Harvard Business School, small wins can lead to increased engagement, motivation, and overall happiness. When we experience these small victories, our brain releases dopamine, the feel-good chemical that boosts our mood and reinforces our desire to continue taking action. It’s a repeatable cycle—small wins lead to positive feelings, which fuel more action.
Think about the last time you accomplished something small but meaningful. Maybe you organized your workspace or made a healthy meal. That sense of achievement—even if it was tiny—felt good.
Designing your goals with small wins in mind
Here’s how you can practically incorporate small wins into our goal-setting and to-do lists 👇
Break it down
Start by breaking down your larger goals into actionable steps. If your goal is to get fit, instead of saying, “I want to lose 20 pounds,” you could say, “I’ll walk for 15 minutes three times a week.” That’s a small, achievable goal that can set the pace for bigger wins down the line.
Celebrate progress
When you complete a small task, take a moment to celebrate! Maybe treat yourself to a favorite snack or take a short break to do something you love. Acknowledging these small wins reinforces the positive feelings and encourages you to keep going.
Create a daily to-do list
When making your to-do list for the day, include at least one or two small tasks alongside your larger goals. This ensures you’ll experience that sense of accomplishment even on days when your bigger goals feel out of reach.
Stay flexible
Life often throws curveballs, but stay flexible. Sometimes you might not be able to complete everything on your list. When this happens, reassess your goals and adjust as necessary. Focus on what you can do, even if it’s just a small step.
Visualize your wins
Consider keeping a journal or a visual tracker for your small wins. Whether it’s a paper checklist or a digital app, seeing your progress laid out can boost your motivation and remind you of how far you’ve come.
Set daily intentions
Take a few minutes to set intentions for what you’d like to achieve at the start of each day. This helps you stay focused and provides a sense of direction as you move through your day.
The long-term impact of small wins
The beauty of focusing on small wins is that they don’t just boost your motivation in the moment—they contribute to long-term success. When you consistently achieve small victories, you build a momentum that can carry you toward big goals. It creates a positive feedback loop—success breeds success.
Research shows that individuals who focus on their progress and achievements, no matter how small, are more likely to stick with their goals over time. They develop resilience and a growth mindset, allowing them to see challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles.
Small wins are more than just an Instagram story op. They are powerful tools for fostering motivation and achieving sustainable productivity. Next time you set a goal, sprinkle in small wins along the way. You’ll not only stay motivated, but you’ll also find joy along the way. It’s everyday victories that add up to something great.
Go out there and start collecting your small wins. 🏆
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