In a world that glorifies big milestones, it’s easy to overlook the small wins. We’re taught to measure success by the grand gestures—the promotions, the breakthroughs, the moments that take years of effort. But what about the little things? The quiet victories that often go unnoticed but are just as vital to our journey?
I used to be my own worst critic, brushing off the small wins as insignificant. Finishing a task, getting out of bed on a hard day, or even taking five minutes to breathe felt too minor to celebrate. I was so focused on chasing the horizon that I forgot to look at the ground beneath my feet. But those small wins? They’re what keep us moving forward.
A small win is a promise to yourself that you’re trying, even when it’s hard. It’s choosing to take the next step, no matter how small, instead of standing still. The first poem I ever wrote wasn’t perfect, but it was a win because it was the start of something. That single act of putting words on a page built momentum, leading to the collection I hold in my hands today. None of it would exist without that small, seemingly unimportant beginning.
I’ve learned to honor the small wins because they remind me that progress isn’t always loud. It’s not always obvious. Sometimes, it’s as quiet as showing up when you don’t feel like it or as simple as saying, “I’ll try again tomorrow.”
Take a moment to reflect on your own small wins. Did you drink enough water today? Did you smile at someone? Did you take a deep breath when everything felt overwhelming? These things might not make headlines, but they matter. They add up. They’re the stepping stones that lead to the bigger moments.
When we allow ourselves to celebrate the small wins, we shift our perspective. We begin to see that success isn’t just the end goal—it’s the journey. And when the journey feels long, those small wins are the fuel that keep us going.
So, here’s to the little things: the quiet victories, the first steps, and the progress no one else might see. They’re worth celebrating, and so are you.