Small Wins That Deserve Big Celebrations
Women are brilliant at minimising their achievements. Whether it’s down to social conditioning, perfectionism, or that persistent whisper of “it’s not that big of a deal,” we often brush off the things we do every single day that are, in reality, extraordinary.
But here’s a truth worth tattooing onto your heart:
Small wins are not small. They’re evidence that you’re showing up for your life, one tiny act of courage at a time.
In a world that’s constantly demanding more - more productivity, more resilience, more everything - noticing and celebrating these small wins becomes a quiet form of rebellion.
Why We Dismiss the Little Things
Most women were raised on modesty. We’re praised for being humble, selfless, and unobtrusive. Celebrating ourselves can feel boastful, even selfish. And so, our small victories get swept aside:
“It’s nothing really.”
“I should be doing more.”
“Anyone could have done it.”
But little things are often the hardest things. Starting instead of procrastinating. Continuing when you’re exhausted. Asking for help. Resting when you need to. Choosing yourself in small ways that no one else sees.
The world might not applaud these moments, but you should.
The Psychology of Micro-Achievements
Small wins light up the brain's reward pathways, releasing dopamine, the motivation chemical. Celebrating them isn’t just feel-good fluff; it’s neuroscience.
The more you recognise your progress, the more likely you are to:
Stay motivated
Try again after setbacks
Build trust in yourself
Feel capable and resilient
Small wins create momentum, and momentum creates lasting change.
What Counts as a Small Win?
Here’s the secret: anything that nudges you forward, supports your wellbeing, or honours your needs.
Some examples your inner critic might scoff at, but your future self would applaud:
You drank water instead of forgetting all day
You asked for a deadline extension instead of burning out
You left a toxic group chat
You made a proper meal (or ordered one because that’s what you needed)
You went for a walk even though it felt impossible
You emailed the dentist
You set a boundary
You took your meds
You had a hard conversation
You didn’t have a hard conversation because you weren’t ready
Progress isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s a whisper.
The Invisible Wins
We also achieve things daily that no one ever sees:
Holding back tears during a stressful moment
Choosing kindness when you’re overwhelmed
Parenting through exhaustion
Softening instead of snapping
Waking up on a day you didn’t think you could
Letting go of something that hurt you
Noticing a pattern and deciding you want better
Invisible wins matter because they’re often the ones that require the most emotional strength.
How to Celebrate Yourself
Celebration doesn’t have to be big or expensive. In fact, the simpler it is, the more likely you’ll keep doing it.
Try:
Writing down one win a day
Doing a little happy dance (the sillier the better)
Sending a message to a friend saying, “I did a thing!”
Lighting your favourite candle
Making yourself a fancy drink (tea counts)
Telling your partner or your group chat
Simply saying, “I’m proud of myself”
Celebrate in ways that feel nourishing, not performative.
Why Small Wins Matter for Women Especially
Women carry mental loads that don’t show up on any to-do list. The planning, anticipating, remembering, fixing, soothing, adjusting: all of it invisible. All of it unpaid. All of it exhausting.
Small wins offer a way of saying:
I see you. I see what you’re doing. And it matters.
Women who celebrate themselves stop waiting for external validation and become their own source of encouragement.
Let’s Normalise Being Proud
Imagine a world where women freely said:
“I’m proud of myself today.”
“I did something difficult.”
“I did something tiny, and it still counts.”
“I’m celebrating myself because I deserve it.”
This should be normal, not rare.
Your Wins Deserve Witnessing
So here’s a gentle invitation:
Take a moment today to notice something you did - something small, something private, something that made your life even a fraction better.
Then honour it. Smile at it. Acknowledge it.
Because those small steps are shaping the woman you’re becoming.
Little by little.
Day by day.
Win by win.
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Hana Ames is a professional content writer with hundreds of pieces of content under her belt. She is a cat and dog mama, a feminist, and a musical theatre fan, who enjoys cooking, playing board games and drinking cocktails. She has been writing professionally since 2018 and has a degree in English. Her website is www.hrawriting.com and she is always interested in discussing exciting new projects to see how she can help your business grow. Catch her on Twitter @hrawriting, Instagram @hrawriting and Facebook: www.facebook.com/hrawriting
