The Power of Small Wins: How to Keep Going When It Feels Like You’re Stuck

Start Small and Keep Going!

Ever feel like you’re trying your best, but not seeing results? Like you’re putting in the work, but the finish line keeps moving? You’re not alone. Progress doesn’t always shout—it often whispers. And some of the most important steps forward are the ones that barely feel like movement at all.

That’s where the power of small wins comes in.

Paired with quotes like “Fall seven times, stand up eight” and “The only way out is through,” we’re reminded that persistence isn’t always loud or flashy. And as Mary Anne Radmacher put it, “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’”

Let’s talk about why small wins matter—and how they help you keep going when the big picture feels too far off.

1. Why Small Wins Deserve Big Respect

It’s easy to dismiss the little stuff. Writing one page. Making that call. Choosing a salad over fries. But those small choices stack up.

Every tiny victory is proof: you’re still in the game. You’re building momentum. And you’re showing up—especially when it’s hard.

Small wins are powerful because:

They build confidence one moment at a time
They give you evidence that change is happening
They create emotional traction that helps you move forward

2. **What Progress Really Looks Like**

Progress isn’t always straight. It loops. It stalls. It takes naps. But that doesn’t mean it’s not happening.

If you feel like you’re not getting anywhere, ask:

Am I expecting perfection instead of improvement?
Am I overlooking the effort it takes just to keep going?
What small things have I done today that I can actually feel proud of?

Because truthfully? Getting up and trying again is progress. Even if it doesn’t feel Instagram-worthy.

3. Courage in Quiet Moments

There’s a special kind of bravery in continuing when no one’s cheering, when the results aren’t obvious, and when quitting feels way easier.

That’s where the quote by Mary Anne Radmacher lands with so much grace:

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’”

Sometimes the win is simply not giving up. Sometimes it’s making your bed. Answering that email. Drinking water instead of soda. You don’t have to move mountains—you just have to keep climbing.

4. How to Spot (and Celebrate) Small Wins

Want to feel like you’re making progress again? Start noticing the little stuff. Take not when you unleash the power of small wins.

Try this:

Keep a “Done” list. At the end of the day, jot down what you actually did—even if it feels minor.
Track habits, not just goals. Showing up regularly builds more momentum than big bursts of action.
Give yourself credit. You didn’t quit. That matters more than you think.

5. Stacking Wins for Long-Term Motivation

Think of small wins like kindling. One spark might not seem like much—but keep stacking, and you’ve got a fire.

Each time you follow through on a small action, it’s like telling your brain, “I can do this.” Confidence grows from repetition, not rare achievement.

Eventually, small wins become habits. Habits become systems. And systems create the outcomes we’re after.