Small Wins

One of the main reasons why #Keystone Habits can potentially change the behavior of one person drastically over time, is because of what psychologists call “small wins”. Small wins are the little accomplishments, or subtasks that we do to complete our main goal. As Karl Weick, a prominent organizational psychologists, puts it, “Small wins do not combine a neat, linear, serial form, with each step being demonstrable step closer to some predefined goal.”

When changing one’s habit, more often than not, forceful dramatic changes in one’s behavior ends up in a disappointing relapse. Initially, it might work because of sudden burst of inspiration take action or a drive caused by an event that fuels the initiative to change. But that drive can only get you so far and most people eventually stop doing the routine due to strenuous, high standard tasks they put themselves into they cannot uphold consistently. Studies have found, obese individuals, after a drastic lifestyle change, becomes overwhelmed and goes back to their old habits and give up eventually. Smokers relapse after going “cold turkey” for a long period of time, only building up the urge to smoke once more, only to find themselves holding a cigarette opening up Pandora’s box of their old addictive habits.

Small wins, however little, incites the feeling of accomplishment and thus encouraging to move forward onto the next one without the burden of shock. Making your bed neatly every morning when you wake up might not be so rewarding but it encourages another task to be done. These small wins slowly builds a culture around yourself that is contagious, inspiring like-minded around you which can lead to a community that supports each other for the cause.

If we want to achieve something big, we start with the smallest of tasks and work our way up to our ultimate goal. Change happen in increments. Not by sudden revolution.

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