The psychology of small wins

Recently, I attended a conference organised by the Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard University’s Center for International Development on Breaking Barriers for Women and Girls. One of the conference speakers mentioned the term “psychology of small wins” and that caught my attention.

The speaker acknowledged that when it comes to women’s rights, often it feels like there is backlash and reversals to hard-won progress. Essentially, two steps forward, one step back, or sometimes two steps forward and two steps back. This resonated with me and the work I do on women’s and girl’s rights. Even reading the news can be distressing for many.

To help us not be discouraged and to keep going, the speaker encouraged us to adopt a psychology of small wins. This means we track daily achievements and celebrate them and this can motivate us to do more.

This term “psychology of small wins” is now imprinted on my mind, not just when it comes to trying to achieve women’s rights, but also as I try to achieve my personal goals and manage my workload leading Red Dot Foundation.

Personally, I am at a moment in my life where there is a multitude of emotions - excitement, fear, loneliness, anxiety and positive anticipation. I am on the road and living out of a suitcase often, fundraising for my organisation’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan.

There are days when I wake up excited with all the possibilities that we can achieve to make the world safer for women and girls. And, then there are days when things don’t go as per the plan - we get rejected for a grant, getting meetings with influencers take longer than anticipated and so on. This takes a toll on my confidence and positive frame of mind.

Learning the term “psychology of small wins” is intriguing and refreshing. According to a paper written by K. E. Weick in the American Psychologist - Small Wins: Redefining the scale of social problems, the psychology of small wins is discussed with respect to cognitive limitations, affective limitations, stress, and enactment of environments.

The paper argues that the massive scale on which social problems are conceived precludes innovative action because bounded rationality is exceeded, and dysfunctional levels of arousal are induced. Reformulation of social issues as mere problems allows for a strategy of small wins wherein a series of concrete, complete outcomes of moderate importance build a pattern that attracts allies and deters opponents. It is concluded that the strategy of small wins incorporates sound psychology and is sensitive to the pragmatics of policy making. 

How might we adopt it in practice? These are some ideas that came to my mind as I reflected on how I might adopt it in my own practice.

Be present in the current moment. Often, we are worried about the future or anxious about what has already happened. Thus, we are not free to remain still, be calm and observe the present environment that we are in. It is easier said than done but we can practice a few tips to slow us down and stay calm. One of my coaches used to tell me to take three long breaths and count slowly backwards from ten to one. Put your phone and other devices away for minimal distraction. As you become calmer, you will begin to observe things you may have missed and appreciate tiny achievements. Small wins add up to big successes. You will also have micro stories to share with others and create memories for the future.

Breakdown big goals into small tasks. Most of us are bogged down by the end goal which is often too big or ambitious to achieve. But by breaking it down into smaller tasks in a realistic time frame, it becomes achievable. Every time you win at a small task and celebrate it, you build your muscle to win. Everybody loves to win and recognising that builds a winning attitude.

Learn to actively listen. When you truly listen, you put yourself in the shoes of the other person, build your empathy quotient and situate yourself in the current context. You will realise that you have privilege and can decide how to use your platform to create small wins for yourself and/or for others.

Learn from where you are. The world around is rapidly changing. Lots of variables are outside our control. Take for example the pandemic. Each of us had to pivot and make the most of the situation which was beyond our control. But on a daily basis we might have to make adjustments to our plan based on how the world is progressing or even reacting to what we put out. So slowing down, being present, listening actively can give you insights that you need to make adjustments to your plan and respond effectively to stimulus from your external environment.

Build community. You cannot solve a big problem by yourself. You need others. Surround yourself with people with complementary skills, expert knowledge, positive intentions and kindness. Add value to each other’s work and lives. Together you can go further than by yourself and you do not have to feel alone.

Share power. Small wins build confidence both at a personal and team level. It means celebrating every success and giving recognition where it is due. Sharing power builds commitment which in turn maximises opportunities and has a multiplier effect in winning.

As I reflect on how this applies to my life, I realise, appreciate and celebrate the many people who are part of my journey in gender justice. I am surrounded by people who love and support me, have opened their homes and hearts to make me feel comfortable. In the quest to realise my bold Vision 2030, I know it is the small wins daily that will make it possible.

I invite you to also incorporate the psychology of small wins in your daily practice.

(Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of YourStory.)