Why Small Wins Deserve a Standing Ovation

“Small wins are the building blocks of big transformations.” - Bonnie Strati

Celebraton

We live in a world obsessed with big milestones. Promotions, graduations, hitting weight-loss goals, or landing the dream relationship get the spotlight. And don’t get me wrong—those are worth celebrating. But what about the little steps we take along the way?

The truth is, the small wins are often what matter most. They’re not flashy, they don’t make headlines, but they build the very foundation that the “big” moments stand on. Without them, the big ones rarely come at all.

Morning Tea

The Overlooked Magic of Small Wins

Think about it. You finally laced up your sneakers and went for that walk after three days of telling yourself you were “too tired.” Win. You swapped out one cup of coffee for a glass of water. Win. You said “no” to something that drained your energy, even though part of you felt guilty. Huge win.

Individually, they may seem small. But over time, these micro-moments of progress stack up. They build trust in yourself. They remind you that you’re moving forward, even when the big picture feels blurry or overwhelming.

Cozy Socks

Why They Matter

Psychologists talk about the “progress principle”: the idea that even tiny signs of progress boost our motivation and keep us engaged. Each little victory acts like fuel in your tank.

Think of it like building a house. You don’t wait until the last brick is laid to feel proud. Each brick is a step closer to a home. Each choice, each action, each “yes” or “no” is another brick laid in the foundation of your best self.

And here’s the thing—when you only celebrate the “big” stuff, you miss out on hundreds of chances to feel good about yourself. Celebrating small wins brings joy and momentum into your everyday life, not just the highlight reel moments.

Happy Dance

How to Celebrate Without Overthinking It

Celebrating doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about giving yourself a moment to recognize, “Hey, I did that.”

• Smile at yourself in the mirror. Yes, it counts.

• Do a silly happy dance in the kitchen. Nobody’s watching—or maybe they are, and they’ll want to join in.

• Write it down. A small wins journal is a powerful reminder of how far you’ve come.

• Tell someone you trust. Sharing joy multiplies it.

Celebration isn’t about ego—it’s about energy. It’s choosing to feed the part of you that thrives on positivity and encouragement.

Barefoot on the Beach

A Gentle Reminder

Don’t wait for the finish line to feel proud. Every single step counts. And when you recognize the small wins, you’ll be surprised at how much lighter and more motivated the journey feels.

Because here’s the truth: small wins aren’t small at all. They are proof. Proof that you’re showing up. Proof that you’re growing. Proof that you’re already becoming the person you’re striving to be.

So today, pause and think—what’s one small win you can celebrate right now? Did you drink water? Did you take a deep breath before reacting? Did you open your heart, even just a little?

Whatever it is, it deserves a standing ovation.

✨ Reflection Prompts

1. What is one small win from today that you can celebrate?

2. How do you usually recognize your progress, and how could you make it more fun?

3. What “big goal” could you break down into smaller wins this week?

If you’re ready to move beyond surviving and start celebrating the small (and big) wins of your own healing and transformation, I’d love to support you. Through Be Soulful Coaching, we’ll create a personalized path to help you reconnect with your body, mind, and spirit—so you can thrive in this next chapter of life.

👉 Contact me at bonnie@bonniestrati.com to explore my coaching programs and see how we can work together to build the life you deserve.