The Importance of Celebrating the Small Wins!

The concept of celebrating small wins seems simple, right? It often seems a lot easier said than done right? … but it doesn’t have to be…Let’s talk it through. 

When was the last time you celebrated a win?

Recently?

Congratulations! That’s awesome! 

How did you get there? Were there small wins along the way? … I’m betting you a cup of tea on me that there were. The question is… did you celebrate them when they happened?

And here we are…We are experts at celebrating the big things, a birthday, a new job or if you are lucky enough, maybe even an award. But when it comes to the small wins, the smaller steps that have paved the way to get us these big wins, we completely forget to pat ourselves on the back, overlooking it as a part of each day, or task, and we just move on to the next thing. 

Imagine a world where if you gave yourself a pat on the back, that allowing time and space to celebrate each small step ENSURED that you got to your bigger goals more effectively. 

How empowering and motivating would that be!

Allow me to introduce you to a good friend…THE PROGRESS PRINCIPAL 

We all know I am a smart goal fanatic; this is why!

Research has found that of all the things that can boost emotions, motivation, and perceptions during a workday, the single most important factor is making progress in meaningful work. 

Let me say that again:

‘the single most important factor is making progress in meaningful work.’

And the more often people experience that sense of progress, the more likely they are to be creatively productive in the long run. It doesn’t matter whether you’re trying to produce a Hollywood film or design a creative storyboard, progress – or small wins – is what drives us forward. 

This is one of the many reasons smart goals work so effectively. The confirmation bias of progress and achievement is guaranteed when using them - the small and consistent steps in a targeted direction are key here. 

Our brains bulk at big tasks, that's why we procrastinate rather than just get stuck in. By taking that project one step at a time and importantly, celebrating each step, we are empowering ourselves with the natural fuel of motivation. Bringing a positive energy to the next step forward. 

Celebrating each and every win, taking a moment to bask in the progress and success has meant I have found I don’t just power through, but I have become emotionally stronger too. 

Say adios to procrastination and bonjour to the happier, more productive me. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m still the princess of procrastination and I haven’t fully figured out the kinks in my personal progress principle yet, but I’m determined to celebrate each and every step of the process, whatever that may be. 

When I first started to look into the progress principle, I was worried it would affect my bigger goals and would distract me from my creative vision, with so much other work on, it was also completely overwhelming. But, knowing and trusting that it would be worth it, much to the contrary, it helped me achieve so much more, so much more effectively! 

For years, whether in my personal or professional life, I was always told to go big or go home. I am sure you have had similar experiences. From our time at school to our working lives, the sayings always go, aim high, reach for the sky, just get stuck in, stop wasting time and get on with it, or something equally unhelpful when standing at the start line, at the foot of the mountain gazing on monstrous tasks that seem unachievable! 

It can be about as helpful as a chocolate teapot! … No-one tells you how to get there and that the road may have bumps and turns, potholes and trolls under almost every bridge. 

The key bit they leave out, is that there will be small and big milestones, and that both are equally important. Think about it, your goal might be to write the most engaging screenplay ever written. That’s a big endeavour. So instead of celebrating the final product, pause for a moment and look at how you got to completing just that one scene, or even getting the first dawning of thoughts onto paper. 

I don’t know about you but that’s what gives me real gratification and motivation to continue. 

Celebrating each step, makes the next one more palatable, it breaks up the monotony of the chase, and if we are to spend our life on this journey of progress and growth – wouldn’t celebrating each step make the whole experience more enjoyable? And enjoyable life you say… that sounds good to me! 

So! ... Once I fixed my mindset – and I still sometimes slip into the reach-for-the-sky mentality – I noticed a shift in my way of thinking. I found it started to affect my day-to-day life, my progression with rowing, being on time on a busy day is a small win for me. 

Receiving a positive client testimonial during a stressful period lights up my day or the lighting on set being on point is a small win for sure and it reminds me I’m on the right track to achieving my career and rowing goals.  

I’d love to hear what helps you stay motivated. Let me know in the comments below.