Rethink Success, One Win at a Time
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in chasing big goals, leaving the smaller moments of progress unnoticed.
Imagine a grand building standing tall, its architecture admired by everyone who passes by. It’s easy to marvel at its grandeur, appreciating the beauty and strength of the structure.
But beneath the surface lies a story of countless bricks and grains of sand–small, seemingly insignificant elements that formed its foundation. These modest materials, often overlooked, were essential in bringing the beauty of the building to life. Without them, the grand structure could never stand.
A serene townscape reflecting the idea of building success step by step.
Those seemingly small, unnoticed moments of progress built the momentum that made success possible.
Why We Overlook Small Wins
Sometimes, it might feel like small wins are not enough. This is understandable–we’ve been conditioned to equate success with grand achievements. Social media amplifies this by showcasing highlight reels of others’ accomplishments, tempting us to compare.
When we compare, we might belittle our own wins, dismissing them as “ordinary”. It’s easy to get caught up in a cycle of thinking “I could have done more, or achieved something bigger.”
But what if success isn't just about achieving grand moments? What if it's also about recognising that, at that moment, you gave your best effort–and that’s enough? Your best effort today might look different from tomorrow. Success doesn’t have to be a single milestone; it’s a journey, with endless opportunities to grow and try again.
Pause and Reflect: Redefine Your Success
Let’s take a moment to ask ourselves these questions. Give yourself a safe space to just be and observe what your inner self has to say. Bring to the top of your mind how you have been defining success so far. Then, ask yourself these questions:
- If I could define success on my own terms, what would it look and feel like?
- How can I remind myself that my path is unique and doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s?
- What is one small win I have achieved recently that feels meaningful to me?
- How can I honor every small step I have taken as part of a bigger journey?
Celebrating the Year's Journey
As we approach the end of 2024, we’re on the brink of closing one chapter and stepping into the next. Take this time to celebrate not just the milestones but also the small wins that shaped your journey this year.
Each small step you’ve taken–whether it was showing up for yourself on tough days, learning something new, or simply taking a moment to breathe–deserves to be acknowledged.
Discover your authentic self through journaling with The Self Hug
If you’re ready to dive deeper into your journey, consider exploring our Self-Discovery Journal. Designed to help you uncover your values, celebrate your progress, and embrace your unique story. With gentle prompts, it encourages you to reflect on what truly matters and redefine success in a way that feels authentic to you.
A final reminder: Every time you pause to acknowledge a small win, you’re laying another brick in the foundation of your journey. These moments of reflection not only honor the effort you’ve put in but also build a solid base for the bigger goals ahead.
Brick by brick, and step by step; celebrate your small wins. Over time, these “ordinary” things come together to create something remarkable, reminding you that every effort matters in the grand design of your life.
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.
