Celebrating Small Wins

I’ve always been a goal-oriented person. I love setting big, ambitious targets and working hard to reach them. But somewhere along the way, especially during my journey through a Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy, I realized I wasn’t giving myself credit for the small steps that got me there.

When I started the program at Baylor University, I was laser-focused on graduation. I told myself, “just get through this trimester,” or “once I pass boards, then I’ll celebrate.” But that mindset quickly became exhausting. The program was intense, and I often felt like I was sprinting a marathon with no water breaks.

During the first year of the program, I was struggling with Applied Neuroscience, a subject that felt like learning a new language. I spent hours with course materials, joined study groups, and even met with my professor during office hours. When I finally passed the midterm with a solid grade, I barely acknowledged it. I thought, “Okay, good, but I still have the final, and then the next trimester, and eventually the boards.” That moment of success came and went without celebration.

It wasn’t until my mentor pulled me aside and said, “Amanda, you worked hard for that. Celebrate it,” that something clicked. That midterm wasn’t just another test, it was proof of my resilience and effort. I realized I’d been so focused on the destination that I was missing the joy in the journey.

I recently read an article from Harvard Summer School titled Why Celebrating Small Wins Matters, and it reinforced everything I’ve been learning. The article explains how recognizing small accomplishments boosts motivation, builds confidence, and helps us stay on track. It’s not just about feeling good, it’s about reinforcing progress and creating momentum.

Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to celebrate the little things. Making it through the long days of lab, getting positive feedback from a professor, or even just finishing a tough assignment. These are all wins worth acknowledging. I’ve found that celebrating these moments doesn’t distract from the bigger goal; it fuels me to keep going.

Now that I’m working as a student physical therapist in my first rotation, I carry this mindset into my professional life. Whether it’s helping a patient take their first steps post-surgery or completing a continuing education course, I pause to appreciate the progress. These small victories remind me why I chose this path and how far I’ve come.

So, if you’re chasing a big goal, don’t wait for the finish line to celebrate. Take a moment to honor the small wins. They’re not just milestones; they’re the heart of the journey!