Celebrating the Little Wins That Mean Everything

Most caregivers are waiting for the “big moment” to feel successful.
The full night of sleep.
The perfect appointment.
The breakthrough conversation.
The day where everything finally goes smoothly.

And what if the real victories aren’t the dramatic moments at all?
What if the moments that change us are the tiny ones we almost overlook?

A Real Moment That Didn’t Look Like a Win (At First)

A dad I coach once told me:

“All I did today was get my son to the car without a meltdown. That’s not a win… that’s just Tuesday.”

And when we slowed down and named it, we realized something powerful:

• He stayed calm even when his son needed extra support

• He used a new strategy that kept things regulated

• He avoided a spiral that normally derailed the rest of the morning

That wasn’t “just Tuesday.”
That was resilience.
That was skill.
That was a win.

When we don’t celebrate the little victories, our brain only remembers the struggles.
When we do recognize them, our brain learns: I can do this. We are making progress.

Little Wins That Actually Mean Everything

Here are some victories caregivers overlook every day:

• You spoke up in an appointment instead of shrinking.

• You took 10 minutes to breathe before reacting.

• You didn’t second-guess yourself for asking a question.

• You said “not right now” instead of saying yes out of guilt.

• You got through a transition without a meltdown—yours or theirs.

• You laughed once today.

• You remembered you matter, too.

These are not small.
They are proof you’re learning, adapting, and healing.

Why Little Wins Matter (Brain + Heart Truth)

Celebrating small progress…

✔ Retrains your brain to recognize growth
✔ Builds confidence instead of perfectionism
✔ Protects you from burnout by acknowledging what is working
✔ Shifts your identity from “surviving” to “becoming”

You don’t wait until you reach the top of the mountain to feel proud.
You celebrate the steps that keep you climbing.

A Simple Practice: Today’s 10-Second Win

Before bed, finish this sentence:

“One thing I did today that moved me forward is…”

Write it. Say it. Whisper it. Believe it.

Because one day, you will look back and realize the little wins were actually the turning points.

Final Encouragement

Your progress doesn’t have to be loud to be life-changing.
You don’t need perfect days to prove you’re doing enough.

Some days, the win is just getting through.
And that counts.
You count.

Yours in compassion.

Drew Deraney

The Caregiver & Family Health Coach