The Ripple Effect of Small Wins: Building Momentum for Neurodivergent Women
Jan 19, 2025
Small Wins, Big Impact
As a neurodivergent woman, it’s easy to dismiss small achievements because they don’t feel “big enough.” But here’s the truth: Small wins have a ripple effect. Each tiny victory builds momentum, boosts your confidence, and sets the stage for bigger accomplishments.
Let’s explore how to recognize, celebrate, and leverage your small wins to create lasting progress in your life and work.
Why Small Wins Matter for Neurodivergent Women
Small wins aren’t just feel-good moments—they’re essential for progress.
How they help:
- Reduce Overwhelm: Breaking big goals into smaller steps makes them more manageable.
- Build Confidence: Each success reinforces the belief that you’re capable.
- Spark Motivation: Small wins create a positive feedback loop that keeps you moving forward.
For neurodivergent women, who often juggle executive dysfunction and perfectionism, celebrating small wins is a game-changer.
How to Recognize and Celebrate Small Wins
1. Define Success on Your Terms
What does progress look like to you? Maybe it’s answering one email, completing a small project, or simply getting out of bed on a tough day.
Tip: Create a daily or weekly “wins list” to track your accomplishments, no matter how small.
2. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Instead of focusing on what’s left to do, take a moment to acknowledge what you’ve already achieved.
3. Share Your Wins with a Supportive Community
Whether it’s a friend, coach, or online group, sharing your successes (and hearing others’ wins) fosters connection and encouragement.
Turning Small Wins into Momentum
1. Use the Domino Effect
Small wins often lead to bigger ones.
- For example, organizing your desk might inspire you to tackle a larger work project.
2. Leverage “Next Right Steps”
After each win, ask yourself: “What’s the next right step I can take?” This keeps the momentum going without overwhelm.
3. Reflect on the Ripple Effect
Take a moment to appreciate how one small win impacts other areas of your life. For example:
- Cleaning one corner of your living space creates a sense of calm and focus.
Practical Strategies for Building Momentum
1. Break Down Big Goals
Divide your goals into micro-steps. Each completed step is a win worth celebrating.
2. Anchor Wins to Values
As Dawn Leprich-Graves of Cultivating Bricolage often says, aligning actions with your values makes wins feel even more meaningful.
3. Reward Yourself
Build positive reinforcement into your process. For example:
- After finishing a task, treat yourself to a favorite activity or small indulgence.
Redefining Success with Self-Compassion
Your small wins matter—because you matter. Instead of minimizing your efforts, practice self-compassion by recognizing your unique challenges and strengths.
Practice this affirmation: “Every step I take is a step forward. My progress is worth celebrating.”
Let’s Build Your Momentum Together
If you’re ready to turn small wins into big momentum, join my coaching program for neurodivergent women. Together, we’ll create actionable steps, celebrate your progress, and build the confidence you need to thrive.
Let’s celebrate every win, big or small.
– Dawn Leprich-Graves, LCPC, LPC. PMH-C, ASDCS Clinician, Coach & Connection Catalyst
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