Celebrate wins - Big or Small!
“Mommy, mommy! I’m sooo great at swimming now. I blew 10 bubbles!” my 5-year-old burst through the front door, beaming with pride.
She’d just finished her swim lesson, one she had been attending for weeks. But the sheer joy she radiated over blowing ten bubbles made it feel like she’d won an Olympic medal.
As she twirled around the living room singing, “I can blow buuuubbles. So many buuuubbles. I am a swimmer!” I couldn’t help but smile. Her excitement was infectious, but it also struck a nerve.
When was the last time I celebrated a win—big or small?
I racked my brain, searching for a recent achievement I’d acknowledged. Nothing came to mind. Somewhere along the way, I’d stopped recognizing my wins.
When Did We Stop Celebrating?
As kids, every small victory felt monumental. Writing a good essay, running a lap, or making a new friend filled me with pride. But as I grew older, the bar for what “counted” as a win kept rising.
In middle school, only “big” wins mattered—placing first in a race, acing a test, or getting top marks. By high school, college, and adulthood, the threshold grew even higher. Landing a dream job or hitting major life milestones were the only achievements worth celebrating.
Smaller wins? They didn’t even make it onto the radar.
But that day, my daughter reminded me how magical it feels to celebrate small successes. And I realized: it’s time to bring that magic back.
Why Small Wins Matter
As adults and especially as women, we’re often juggling a thousand responsibilities, leaving little room to notice or celebrate progress. Instead, we brush off our accomplishments as “no big deal.”
Take my health goals, for example. When I worked out five times in one week—a major feat for me—I dismissed it with a sarcastic, “About time!” rather than giving myself credit.
The truth is, building habits, learning something new, or simply showing up deserves recognition. Small wins are the building blocks of progress.
The Power of a Win Bin
To shift my mindset, I started a simple habit: journaling my wins. Every night, I spend five minutes jotting down three things I did well that day.
Here are a few that made it into my “win bin”:
Shoveled snow off the driveway.
Learned how to stop while skiing after hours of practice.
Called two loved ones in a week—big deal for an introvert like me!
Finally grasped a complicated concept at work with a colleague’s help.
At first, it felt odd. But as I kept writing, I started noticing wins throughout my day. It felt like giving myself a high-five multiple times daily.
How Celebrating Wins Transforms You
This simple practice has brought profound changes to my life:
Consistency: Recognizing progress keeps me motivated to keep going.
Self-kindness: I’ve become more encouraging and forgiving of myself.
Positive energy: I cheer on others’ wins and celebrate their growth.
Joy: Life feels less monotonous and more rewarding.
Confidence: Each win boosts my belief in my abilities.
The burnout I once felt? It’s fading. I’m not perfect, but I’m moving forward—and that’s worth celebrating.
Make This Your Year of Wins
As we dive into the new year, let’s ditch the pressure of “New Year, New Me.” Instead, let’s focus on celebrating the wins of the amazing person we already are.
Create a Win Bin: Use a notebook, a jar, or a notes app—whatever works for you.
- Take 5 Minutes Daily: Write down three wins from your day.
Drank more water?
Spoke up in a meeting?
Asked for that promotion
Tried a new recipe?
Everything counts.
Celebrating small wins isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about building momentum, confidence, and joy. Over time, these small moments add up to big transformations.
So, go ahead—start your win bin. Watch the magic unfold. Celebrate yourself. You deserve it!
About the Author: Shradha Doshi is a storyteller and product management professional with a passion for thoughtful conversations and personal growth. Through writing, she explores diverse topics, drawing inspiration from every day experiences and meaningful connections.