In a world fixated on big wins, flashy milestones, and the next big leap, there’s often a tendency to overlook the value of the smaller, quieter victories that add up along the way. The kind of wins that, although subtle, build resilience, confidence, and an unshakable sense of self-belief.
Yesterday, I found myself in a moment like this with my two boys. One of them had just finished a particularly tough stretch of homework, pushing through with a persistence that was truly something to behold. The other had a report card of straight A’s, the result of consistent effort day after day. Both accomplishments, while different in nature, were worth celebrating.
So I took them to the zoo. We spent hours exploring, laughing, marveling at animals, and sharing moments that, on the surface, may have seemed unconnected to their recent achievements. But in reality this was their reward, an experience that celebrated who they are becoming, not just what they had achieved.
After the zoo, we indulged in one of their favorite meals, salmon, shared together, seasoned by their stories of the day and the little triumphs they’d had.
This whole experience was a reminder of a simple yet profound principle that applies far beyond the walls of my home. It’s a lesson that translates directly into the world of leadership, of business, of building teams and fostering growth. Leaders, just like parents, often look to celebrate the big milestones: the massive deals closed, the record-breaking quarters, the grand achievements. But what about the smaller victories? What about the effort your team is putting in to solve challenging problems, even if the result isn’t immediately groundbreaking? What about celebrating the journey, the process they’re committing to?
We live in a world that often undervalues the quiet work, the grit, the perseverance, the lessons learned in the everyday grind. By acknowledging these, by celebrating the process and not just the outcome, we can create environments where people feel seen and valued not just for what they do but for who they are.
So here’s the takeaway for leaders, business owners, and anyone guiding others: next time you’re tempted to wait for the big win, remember the smaller moments. Take your team “to the zoo,” offer them that experience, that recognition, that time together. Build a culture where every effort counts, where every step forward is acknowledged. Because in the end, it’s these small, cumulative victories that create the foundation for the big wins yet to come.
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