Every Win, Big or Small, Matters

Picture this: It’s Monday morning. Instead of hitting snooze for the third time, you rise, ready to face the day. It might seem insignificant, but moments like these are where grit begins—in the small, quiet wins that often go unnoticed.

"Great lives are built in the mundane details, the repetitive actions, the little victories that no one sees." – James Clear

Grit is the blend of perseverance and passion for long-term goals. It’s not just about reaching the grand finale; it’s about the commitment and effort invested in every step of the journey.

Those small wins–like getting through a tough meeting, choosing courage over fear, or simply showing up–are the building blocks of grit. Each one is a reminder of your capability and resilience, proof that you’re stronger than you think.

But here’s the catch: it’s easy to overlook these moments. We tend to focus on the obvious milestones—graduations, promotions, weddings—while the quieter, smaller moments that lead us there often fade into the background.

Grit Meets Indonesian Wisdom

In Indonesia, cultural values like gotong royong (community support) and kerja keras (hard work) beautifully embody the essence of grit. These principles not only guide us but also encourage us to celebrate the journey, not just the destination.

Our Win, Together (Gotong Royong)

You’ve probably heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” That’s the spirit of gotong royong—the belief that we thrive through mutual support and collective effort.

While personal achievements are often celebrated, they rarely happen in isolation. Behind every success are the invisible hands of friends, family, mentors, and even strangers who provide encouragement, guidance, and support.

Celebrating your wins isn’t just about honoring your effort; it’s also about acknowledging the contributions of others. Leaning on your support system doesn’t make you less capable—it’s a testament to your strength. Recognizing when you need help and allowing others to join your journey shows courage and trust.

Note: Read more to reflect on your support system here.

The Power of Persistence (Kerja Keras)

Think back to a time when you started something new—moving to a different city, starting a new job, or navigating a major life change. Were you anxious? Perhaps unsure of what lay ahead?

Despite the uncertainty, you persevered. You showed up, faced your fears, and transformed them into possibilities. That’s the essence of kerja keras—the grit to keep going even when the path gets tough.

Now, when was the last time you celebrated yourself? Not for a grand achievement, but for the persistence and hard work (kerja keras) that kept you moving forward?

You don’t need a massive breakthrough to feel proud. Every small step forward is proof of your determination and grit. The fact that you’re here today speaks volumes about the challenges you’ve overcome and the effort you’ve poured into your journey.

Why celebrate small wins?

Imagine climbing a mountain. Each step forward, powered by your grit, hard work, and the support of others, brings you closer to the peak. But if you never pause to admire the view along the way, you risk burnout and losing sight of why you started climbing in the first place.

Celebrating small wins allows you to pause, reflect, and recharge. It’s an opportunity to appreciate your progress and reconnect with your purpose—your why.

Self Reflection Journal by The Self Hug

Take a Moment to Celebrate

What’s one small win you’ve had recently? Take a moment to write it down, share it, or simply give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. You’ve earned it.

Want to take it a step further? Our Self-Reflection Journal can be your companion on this journey. Use it to explore your inner world, uncover what drives and challenges you, and celebrate every win—big or small. With every page, you’ll find more reasons to honor yourself and your journey.

Because every win, big or small, truly matters.
 

About Our Author

Yanitrasari Widyastuti is a mental health therapist and wellness consultant with a background in psychology and counselling, dedicated to empowering others on their journey to well-being. She believes in the power of empathy to inspire self-discovery and growth. Based in Jakarta, Indonesia, she begins her day with a morning walk to her favorite spot for coffee, embracing small rituals that ground her in the present.