 Photo by Veri Ivanova on Unsplash Small wins are exactly what they sound like, and are part of how keystone habits create widespread changes. –Charles Duhigg Since returning to the gym in May, I’ve slowly been making small progress on the treadmill. I’ve boosted my speed by half a mile per hour and started to incorporate inclines throughout my forty-five-minute walk. For some of you, that’d be a piece of cake. Not so much for me. I walk with a limp, and I’m a big guy, so this isn’t easy for me. I realized I needed someone to celebrate my small wins with me, so I found a couple of fitness accountability partners. Knowing they care enough to keep me accountable as I seek to achieve my goals spurs me on. But it’s deeper than mere inspiration or motivation. It’s about making a connection. Life is difficult. You don’t need me to tell you that. But it’s even more difficult when no one notices your small wins. When a long-distance runner crosses the finish line quicker than his or her best time, I’m sure it’s exhilarating, but it’d be even better if someone were there with a watch in hand and fist raised in celebration. Sure, the small win – no matter what we’re talking about – is satisfying. But celebrating with someone who knows its significance is even better. It strengthens bonds, which in turn makes us feel more human. Maybe that’s why so many people post their workouts on social media, hoping for a little love. Instead, they are often met with indifference, or worse, criticism. It’s impossible to be involved in a lot of people’s lives at once – certainly to the point of being able to celebrate small wins with everyone. But finding two or three such people can make a world of difference. Comments are closed.
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