Blog Post One- Small Wins
Small Wins: Why Tiny Shifts Lead to Big Healing
By Audrey Reyes, LCSW | The Practice Counseling Services
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’ll never change—I’m always doing this”?
You're not alone. Many people come to therapy hoping for immediate transformation. But real healing? It rarely happens in a flash. It unfolds in small, quiet moments—moments we often overlook.
These are your small wins. And they matter more than you think.
Reframing the Cycle of Self-Criticism
When we begin the work of changing negative thoughts, behaviors, or emotional patterns, it’s common to feel discouraged. We notice the same pattern again and again. The inner critic shows up:
“See? You’re never going to change.”
But here’s the truth I often share with clients:
The very act of noticing that pattern? That’s a win.
Why the Brain Needs Small Wins
The brain doesn’t like feeling overwhelmed. When change feels too big, too far away, we often shut down and revert to old behaviors.
But when we reframe those small moments of awareness, curiosity, or resistance to reaction as wins, we shift how the brain interprets the process.
Instead of shame, it sees success.
Instead of failure, it sees forward motion.
What Counts as a Small Win?
Noticing a thought before it spirals
Pausing for one breath before reacting
Questioning a belief, even if you still act on it
Talking about it in therapy instead of shutting down
These micro-shifts create new neural pathways—and over time, they reshape how we think, feel, and respond.
In Session, I Often Say...
“If you’re noticing the pattern, that means you’re no longer in it. You’re stepping out of it. That’s the first—and often the hardest—win.”
Final Thought
Change doesn’t always arrive loudly. Sometimes it whispers.
The more we learn to recognize those whispers, the more powerful and permanent our growth becomes.
So the next time you catch yourself thinking, “Here I go again,”—pause.
Name it. Honor it.
Because that’s your small win. And it’s taking you somewhere beautiful.
