Your mindset about success is all wrong, and it’s hindering your ability to reach your goals.

The big-picture goal you have for your life is motivation, not indication.

Wanting to be a homeowner does not indicate that you are one at present. However, the small victories you acknowledge and celebrate, such as saving enough money for the down payment on a house, indicate your success in becoming a homeowner.

Big-picture goals we envision for our lives are often long-term, the results not being seen for several years down the line.

If the big-picture goal were the only thing that mattered, then you wouldn’t feel a sense of success during the journey of achieving the goal.

Keeping track of and acknowledging your Small Victories is more vital than celebrating the Big Wins because, in all honesty, Big Wins probably won’t feel that exciting.

This is because Big Wins are composed of several years of tirelessly working, constantly sacrificing, and overcoming roadblocks, so when you finally reach your Big Win, it’s partially expected.

If you dedicated a decade to writing blog posts on Medium and then decided to publish your first book, becoming a best-selling author may not come as a surprise. It’s expected that after perfecting your craft, persisting when times are less than ideal, and building an engaged audience, you’d find success in writing a novel.

The Small Victories, such as reaching 100k followers on Medium, finishing the manuscript of your book, and finding a publisher, are accurate indicators of your ability to make your dreams a reality.

Small Victories > Big Wins

Acknowledging and celebrating your Small Victories lead you closer to your Big Wins.

Small Victories,

• keep you motivated in the long-term journey of achieving a goal

• serve as a reminder of your progress

• keep the Big Win in perspective

When you acknowledge your Small Victories, you acknowledge the work you’ve put into molding your everyday habits to lead you to the Big Win.

When you celebrate your Small Victories, you celebrate being one step closer in the journey of achieving your Big Wins.

You can’t have Big Wins without Small Victories, so take pride in the Small Victories and allow them to push you closer and closer to your Big Win.

Real Talk

Small Victories are the map and Big Wins are the compass.

You need both to find the treasure.

Big Wins tell you the direction you need to go and Small Victories show you that you’re on the right path.

Breathe in the Small Victories, breathe out the Big Wins.

You are well on your way, recognize that and continue to push towards what you envision.