The Power of Small Wins

Growing up under the poverty line in rural Iowa, I learned early on that life rarely hands you the big, flashy victories we often envision. Success felt distant—something reserved for others, not for someone like me. As I navigated those early years and eventually worked my way up to becoming a CEO, I realized that the real magic lies in the small, everyday wins that move us forward, especially when the road feels impossibly long.

I know what it’s like to be in a dark place. When I lost someone I loved to cancer, I spiraled. My grief pulled me into addiction, and it took everything I had to claw my way back up. Recovery wasn’t one grand moment of transformation; it was a series of small, painstaking steps—choosing to go to meetings, looking inward and taking it one day at a time. It taught me that those small steps are everything.?

I often share this message that’s close to my heart: Where you are is the perfect place to start. It’s a truth I’ve lived through some of my darkest moments. When you’re down, and it feels like there’s no way out, it’s those tiny decisions—the choice to reach out for help, to get up and face the day—that become the turning points.?

We spend so much of our time chasing the “big” moments—closing the deal, launching the product, and crossing the finish line. But let’s be honest, those moments are rare. The real work happens in the in-between. In the small, daily wins that don’t make headlines but keep us moving forward.

I’ve found that one of the best ways to appreciate this journey is to break those big goals into smaller, bite-sized milestones. It’s a practice that changes the way we view progress, turning what could feel like a marathon into a series of manageable sprints. If the end goal is a long-term project like launching a product, for instance, celebrating the little things along the way—like finalizing the design or having a productive meeting—helps keep the motivation alive. These micro-moments might not seem like much, but they add up, each one nudging you closer to where you want to be.

As you move through your day, try building small rituals of acknowledgment. It doesn’t have to be anything grand—maybe it’s taking five minutes to reflect with a cup of coffee or jotting down a win in your journal. These tiny acts of celebration remind you that progress isn’t always loud; sometimes, it’s quiet, but it’s there if you look for it. For me, these moments have been transformative; they’ve grounded me and reminded me of the strength that comes from just showing up each day.

This mindset shift also extends into how I lead my team. It’s no longer just about the big outcomes; it’s about noticing the small wins—when someone takes initiative, solves a problem in their own way, or shows up on a tough day and gives it their all. These are the moments that deserve recognition because when we acknowledge them, we empower people to keep going. And that’s how you build momentum—by showing people that their everyday efforts are seen and valued.

There’s power in seeing every small step as progress. Appreciating the journey allows us to find meaning in our daily actions. So, let’s not wait for the grand finale to celebrate. Recognize the small victories, the steady progress, and the quiet moments that keep you moving forward. Because every win, no matter how small, is worth it.

In a recent interview for my series, The Perfect Place to Start, I spoke with Jason Jacobus , who shared his own story of rebuilding after a life-changing car accident. His journey, like mine, wasn’t about achieving a single moment of clarity or success; it was about the small, intentional actions he took to realign his life. Jason and I talked about how life has a way of pulling us off course, and how balance isn’t something we stumble upon—it’s something we have to actively manage. It’s a constant effort to find that equilibrium between ambition and rest, drive and peace.

You can listen to our conversation here: https://www.megangluthbohan.com/the-perfect-place-to-start-jason-jacobus/