Conscious Change Skill #36: Acknowledge Small Wins
A client whom I’ll call Merida shared that her VP might nominate her for a highly coveted leadership program within the organization. I congratulated her and pointed out that this situation represented at least three small wins wrapped into one.
Her immediate reaction was, “Small wins? How can you say that when nothing has happened yet?”
I took a moment to explain the three small wins I saw in this scenario:
|
Shrugging her shoulders, Meridia raised an eyebrow and asked, “How did you come to all of that from just a nomination?” Her eyes sparkled with a mix of disbelief and curiosity, as if she were both amused and intrigued by the depth of complexity drawn from what seemed like a simple gesture.
I explained that I’ve learned to appreciate small wins as a way to maintain perspective, especially when larger goals seem distant or uncertain. Instead of waiting for a monumental event to validate my progress, I focus on recognizing smaller achievements along the way.
She countered, “But what if I don’t get it? Won’t that negate any small win?”
This brings us to a common misconception about small wins. Many people wait for a significant victory to validate their efforts, overlooking the value of smaller achievements along the way.
From my perspective, each small win is valid on its own. The fact that her VP saw an opportunity and thought of Meridia is meaningful, regardless of whether she ultimately gets selected for the program. It reflects positively on her reputation and capabilities in the eyes of leadership.
I hesitated to label this as “huge” because I know some might see it as making too much out of something minor. But let me ask you: What’s more valuable? Being selected for this or that program or having a manager who believes in your potential enough to advocate for you?
For me, having someone believe in my abilities is invaluable.
So yes, this is indeed a small win. The opportunity itself is the prize, but the real game is about your reputation among those who can influence your career trajectory. When viewed through this lens, Meridia is excelling at the game.
In a previous blog post, I wrote about revolutionary patience as we progress toward changes, we are seeking. Deliberately recognizing small wins along the way is one way to give ourselves the stamina to keep going through the long trajectory of change.
One more point about small wins: they are rooted in what has already happened. No future outcome can diminish their value. Whether or not Meridia secures this nomination, she can take pride in knowing that her VP thinks highly of her and trusts her with sensitive information.
By focusing on even tiny victories, we can cultivate a more positive mindset and build momentum toward our larger goals.
So far, I have only talked about recognizing and appreciating small wins. Yet it's crucial to also understand how this practice directly contributes to career advancement. Research consistently shows that optimism, fueled by acknowledging small victories, can significantly impact your professional trajectory.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology demonstrated that optimistic individuals tend to earn higher salaries and are more likely to be promoted over time (Segerstrom & Sephton, 2010). The researchers attributed this success partly to optimists' tendency to persist in the face of challenges and their ability to recognize and capitalize on opportunities – skills directly enhanced by acknowledging small wins.
In the workplace, optimism can be contagious. A study in The Leadership Quarterly revealed that leaders who display optimism positively influence their team's performance and job satisfaction (Avey et al., 2011). By recognizing and sharing small wins, you not only boost your own career prospects but also contribute to a more positive and productive work environment.
More recent research published in 2020 in the Journal of Applied Psychology examined the relationship between dispositional optimism and career success. The study found that optimism was positively associated with both objective (salary, promotions) and subjective (career satisfaction) measures of career success (Spurk et al., 2020).
By cultivating the habit of acknowledging small wins, you’re not just lifting your spirits – you’re nurturing a mindset that can truly fuel your career growth and resilience. As you make it a point to recognize these victories, remember that it’s not just about the wins themselves; it’s the act of celebrating them that becomes a stepping stone in your journey, helping you build the strength to face whatever challenges come your way.
Take time to appreciate what you have today. Relish those small wins in your life right now. Don’t let anxiety about future opportunities overshadow your current achievements. Cherish them today.
