When it comes to building confidence, I advocate for a “small wins” approach. I truly believe that it is through taking small, consistent actions that we build momentum and ultimately succeed in what we strive to achieve. Remember, motivation does not always come to us - it is often something we build as we take action. The more we move forward, even in small ways, the more our motivation grows. 

Think of confidence as building a mosaic. At first, it might seem like a collection of small, scattered pieces. But with each piece added, a clearer picture begins to emerge. While it would be wonderful if we could suddenly see the full, beautiful image right away, the truth is that we must place each piece one at a time - when we add a piece, we develop the belief that “I can do this,” and this encouragement keeps us moving forward. 

I believe that those who thrive are often the ones who commit to creating their mosaic, piece by piece, with patience and persistence. They may have a vision of the completed image in their minds, but their current focus is on adding one more piece today. This mindset fosters patience and resilience - traits that are essential in developing the confidence to persevere and overcome challenges, especially when faced with uncertainty. 

So, what exactly are small wins? Simply put, they are any accomplishments - big or small - that move you forward. They are the steps you take toward your goals, or even the moments you take to pause and rest when needed (or wanted). 

It is so important to value those smaller moments - the ones that might seem insignificant at first glance, like making your bed or leaving the house. These actions can be monumental if you have been struggling with a depressive state, where even getting out of bed can feel like an impossible task - Please, do not diminish your achievements with thoughts like, “But it was not enough” or “Someone else is doing more than me.” Pause. Breathe. What you have done is meaningful, and you absolutely deserve to feel proud of yourself! 

When we do not take the time to pause and appreciate the small moments, it can become easier to give up when we do not see immediate results or the bigger picture. This can ultimately lead to reinforcing a self-fulfilling prophecy of “I am not good enough” or “I cannot achieve anything.” Contrastingly, by acknowledging and celebrating the small wins, you can begin to foster a more positive internal dialogue that encourages and cheers you on. Over time, you can unlearn the voice that tells you “This is not enough” and replace it with one that says, “You are doing great.” 

Sometimes, we forget just how much we accomplish in a single day. That is why I have created a Small Wins Worksheet to accompany this blog post. I encourage you to give it a try and reflect on all the amazing things you are already doing. 

Keep going – you are doing better than you think. 

With kindness,  Leah 

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