The Power of Micro-Wins: How Small Steps Fuel Big Success

Each small step will lead to success!

We’ve all set ambitious goals—writing a book, launching a business, or getting fit—only to feel overwhelmed and lose steam. The secret to staying motivated isn’t about grand gestures or Herculean effort; it’s about embracing micro-wins. These tiny, achievable actions build momentum, boost confidence, and keep you moving forward, even when motivation wanes.

Take fitness goals, for example. Imagine wanting to run a marathon but dreading the hours of training. Instead of fixating on 26.2 miles, start with a daily 10-minute jog. Author James Clear, in Atomic Habits, calls this the "Two-Minute Rule": scale your goal down to something so simple you can’t say no. Each completed jog becomes a micro-win, releasing dopamine (the brain’s "reward chemical") and reinforcing the habit. Over time, those 10 minutes grow into 30, then 60, until the marathon feels within reach.

Real-life examples prove this works. Consider J.K. Rowling, who wrote Harry Potter in snippets while juggling single parenthood and financial struggles. Instead of pressuring herself to write chapters, she focused on small, daily progress. Take my own experience, for instance. While writing my books, The Ultimate Fitness Tracker for Weight Loss and It’s Okay to Love Yourself, I mirrored this approach. My life is packed—I work a 9-to-5 job and host two podcasts, JAM with Alice Talk Show and Living Well: The Ultimate Health Journey. I broke writing into bite-sized goals to finish my books: 300 words a day, scheduled during lunch breaks or after dinner. These micro-wins kept me committed, and by sticking to the deadlines I set for myself, both books were completed on time.

Similarly, Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, started her billion-dollar shapewear empire by tackling one problem at a time—researching fabrics, patenting designs, and pitching retailers—all while working full-time. These micro-efforts compounded into extraordinary results.

Big journeys always start with small steps.

Science backs this approach. Studies show that celebrating small milestones triggers dopamine release, which not only boosts mood but also sharpens focus and persistence. For instance, a student aiming for straight A’s might break study sessions into 25-minute blocks (using the Pomodoro Technique), rewarding themselves with a short walk or snack after each block. These mini-rewards create a positive feedback loop, making daunting tasks feel manageable.

The key is to redefine success. Instead of obsessing over the finish line, measure progress by consistency. Did you write 200 words today? Perfect. Did you save $10? Celebrate it. As motivational speaker Mel Robbins says, "Progress, not perfection, is the goal."

So, the next time a goal feels out of reach, ask yourself: What’s the smallest step I can take right now? Whether it’s drafting one email, doing five push-ups, or carving out 20 minutes to write—as I did—micro-wins keep you grounded, motivated, and moving. After all, the journey to greatness isn’t a sprint; it’s a series of purposeful steps. And if a busy author-podcaster with a full-time job can do it, so can you.