Big Wins Get the Headlines. Small Wins Keep You Moving

Why Micro-Wins Matter More Than You Think - Especially in Times of Change

When the world feels chaotic - when uncertainty is high and the future is foggy - most people think they need a massive breakthrough to feel better.

But here’s the thing: Big wins are rare. Micro-wins are how you actually thrive through change.

We tend to underestimate the small stuff. In business, we celebrate major milestones: a new product launch, a promotion, the big deal closed. Those moments are exciting, sure -but they’re not what actually creates momentum.

Momentum comes from the little wins you stack when no one’s watching.

And in times of extreme change - what we talk about as VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) situations - those small wins matter more than ever.

The Psychology of Small Wins

Let’s get into the science for a second.

Quick wins give you something your brain craves during uncertainty:

⭐ A sense of progress

⭐ A dopamine hit that builds motivation

⭐ A reminder that you’re not powerless, even when life feels out of control

Theresa Amabile, a professor at Harvard Business School, calls this the Progress Principle. Her research shows that making consistent, meaningful progress (no matter how small) is one of the most powerful drivers of motivation and engagement at work.

In other words: Your brain needs to see that you're moving forward.

When you stack small wins, you teach your nervous system: "I can do hard things. I’m not stuck. I’m not powerless. I’m building something, one step at a time."

That shift is subtle but profound. It calms the chaos response. It keeps your monkey brain from hijacking the moment with catastrophic thinking. And it helps you build resilience without burning out.

Why Micro-Wins Matter in Times of Change

If you’re navigating change right now (and let’s face it - who isn’t?), here’s why focusing on small wins will serve you better than chasing huge leaps:

⭐ They break overwhelm into action. VUCA situations often feel like standing at the base of a massive, fog-covered mountain. You can’t see the top. You’re not even sure where the trail starts. A small win gives you a foothold. One task. One step. One action that says, "Okay. I’m moving forward."

⭐ They build self-trust. Every time you follow through on a micro-action, you’re sending your brain a message: "I can count on myself to do what I say I’ll do." That’s how confidence is actually built, not from motivational speeches, but from repeatable proof.

⭐ They create a positive feedback loop. The more small wins you notice, the more your brain starts to look for what’s possible instead of what’s wrong. And that shift - from problem-spotting to possibility-seeking - is what fuels growth, even in chaos.

How to Create Quick Wins in Your Day

You don’t need a complicated system or a 12-step plan. You just need to commit to small, consistent actions that move you in the right direction. Here are a few ways to start:

⭐ Set a timer for 10 minutes. Pick one task you’ve been avoiding and work on it for 10 minutes - then stop. Often, you’ll build enough momentum to keep going. But even if you don’t, you’ve still won.

⭐ Track the wins that usually get overlooked. Did you have a difficult conversation? Send the email you were dreading? Say no to something that drained your energy? That counts.

⭐ Do a “Three Wins” check-in at the end of each day. Write down three small wins from your day. They don’t have to be groundbreaking - they just have to be real. This practice rewires your brain to look for progress instead of problems.

Bottom Line

Thriving through change isn’t about massive leaps or perfect execution. It’s about consistent progress in the direction that matters - one micro-win at a time.

So today, skip the pressure to conquer the whole mountain. Focus on taking the next small step. And then the next. That’s how you build real, sustainable momentum, even in a VUCA world.

Are you curious about how you typically deal with change, take our brief online quiz. Click here to learn more and access it.

https://kajabi.mindset-wizardry.com/the-change-agility-compass