The Miracle of SmallWins
The Miracle of SmallWins
Small wins pay off big. Social scientists and businessexperts agree that modest victories can provide major inspiration.
You may have heard of the progress principle. Researchers atHarvard Business School conducted a multi-year study of what makes employeeshappy and productive. They found that daily progress on meaningfulwork was the most powerful factor by far.
Take a look at the general principles behind this foolproofformula for success, along with practical examples about how you can apply asmall wins strategy to your life.
General Principles Behind Small Wins
1. Keep a journal. Writing in a journal will help you recognize and celebrate miniaturemilestones that you might otherwise overlook. You’ll also be able to track your progress andunderstand the conditions that affect your performance.
2. Create catalysts.According to the Harvard team, there are twokinds of actions that encourage small wins. The first, catalysts, are relatedto how you work. Set clear goals, budget your time and resources, and practiceopen communications.
3. Seek nourishers.The second kind of action is called nourishers,and refers to interpersonal support. Surround yourself with friends and colleagueswho provide validation and constructive feedback. Participate in groupsthat share your interests, whether it’s a faith community or a professionalassociation with a personal coach who can guide you into achieving physical andmental well-being.
4. Set intermediate goals.Lofty goals can be overwhelming. Break anyproject down into tiny tasks. You’ll feel invigorated each time you checksomething off your to-do list.
5. Learn from setbacks.The flipside of small wins is thediscouragement that can follow running into an obstacle. Acknowledge yourfeelings. Turn mistakes into valuable lessons.
Practical Examples of Small Wins Strategies
1. Eat more vegetables.Sticking to a healthy diet may be easier than you think when you focuson only one change at a time.Work your way up to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Mix spinachinto your eggs at breakfast. Snack on baby carrots and hummus.
2. Cut down on sugar.If you like sweetened coffee, use half yourusual amount of sugar. The savings will add up.
3. Go to bed on time.Adequate sleep keeps your body and mind in topcondition. You’ll probably accomplish more even if you shorten your wakinghours.
4. Exercise for 5 minutes.Are you tired of lapsed gym memberships? You’llbe exercising for more than a half hour by the end of the week if you startwith 5 minutes and add just 5 minutes a day to your home workouts.
5. Memorize a few lines.Maybe you’d like to speak Russian or recitepoetry, but your busy schedule gets in the way. Try practicing just 5vocabulary words or one stanza a day.
6. Extend your network.Whatever you do for a living, networking isessential. Introduce yourself to a new contact or reconnect with a formercolleague.
7. Dazzle a customer.Similarly, you can make any work moremeaningful by focusing on those who use your products or services. Give someonea sneak peek at your new line and ask for their feedback.
8. Listen to your child.Show your child how much you love them by giving them your fullattention. Empathize withtheir struggles in Algebra or congratulate them on making the soccer team.
9. Surprise your spouse.Brighten your partner’s day with a funsurprise. Take out the garbage when it’s their turn. Put a love note in theirbriefcase or pick up a carton of their favorite ice cream on your way home fromwork.
Grand visions are the sum of many small wins that help you translateyour dreams into action.A transformationlife coach can also help you in bringing you dreams to life by providingyou small actionable steps you can take each day which will bring success andhappiness in your life.
