Zuzanna Zawadzka
A local lizard celebrates its day in the sun.
We live in a world that glorifies the big moments–college acceptances, graduation speeches, championship trophies. But what about waking up early three days in a row? Or finally asking a question in class when you’ve been afraid to speak up? These things may seem small, but they matter. In fact, they might matter more than we think.
Celebrating small wins isn’t about lowering the bar. It’s about recognizing progress, especially the kind that’s invisible to others but deeply personal. When I started running in the mornings, I didn’t set out to break any records. My only goal was to show up. The first day wasn’t special. The second felt harder. But by the third, I realized something was shifting. I was proud. And that pride kept me going.
Small wins build momentum. They teach discipline and resilience in a way that big, rare milestones cannot. Think about it. Most goals like getting fit, learning a language, or starting a business aren’t achieved in a day. They’re built slowly, through hundreds of tiny actions. And every time we pause to acknowledge one, we reinforce the belief that change is possible.
In school, we’re often taught to chase perfection–an A+, the award, the leadership title. But what if we started rewarding effort instead of just outcomes? What if teachers praised not just the student who got everything right, but the one who improved the most since last time? What if we told ourselves, “I’m proud I studied today,” even if the grade isn’t perfect yet?
Celebrating small wins isn’t just motivational–it’s necessary. It keeps us grounded. It helps us find joy in the process instead of burning out in pursuit of the destination. It reminds us that growth is rarely loud, but always meaningful.
So next time you do something hard, something new, or something better than yesterday–take a moment. Smile. Write it down. Tell a friend. These are the moments that shape who we are, even when no one’s watching.