January often feels like one big finish line — resolutions, goals, fresh starts. This year, I’ve seen a shift from the “New year, new me” sprint to intentionally celebrating the small wins. I’m learning to embrace the small wins as encouragement and stepping stones that keep me moving forward.
Those intentional small steps fit into real life. They don’t demand perfection or extra energy (because Lord knows I definitely don’t have that lately!). These intentionally placed small steps have been the most doable and sustainable change in my day-to-day.
One of the small wins I’m celebrating is what I eat. In previous posts, I’ve mentioned that I am putting my health first this year. This is not a total diet reset. Not cutting out all the enjoyable things, mainly bread, in my case. And let’s be realistic, a drastic diet never works!
Instead, I’ve been consciously making small, intentional changes by adding a little more protein here and a few more veggies there. This has never come easily to me, as I have a lot of food aversions and have trouble eating the same thing over and over most days. The exception, lately, is my trusty egg and cheese breakfast tacos. Quick, easy, and so good!
Even with those challenges, I’ve noticed a shift. When I focus on adding instead of restricting, it feels lighter and more manageable. Tossing some onion or tomato into a meal doesn’t feel overwhelming. Over the past few weeks, those small additions have started showing up not just in what I eat, but also in what I make for my kids.
The more I notice the tiny efforts, the easier they are to keep. And the happier I feel about them.
Isn’t that the thing about small wins? As your perspective changes, you begin to feel and see the progress. Instead of being daunting, it becomes approachable. Instead of waiting for motivation or the perfect moment, you work with what you have. Even on busy days. Even on days when energy seems to disappear.
This shift in perspective is one of the biggest lessons this January has taught me. When I slow down enough to notice what is working, I stop feeling behind. I stop dismissing my effort. I start seeing progress as something I’m already doing. And that, that is the motivation to keep making the changes and to be intentional every day.
Take a quiet moment to celebrate the little things you’re already doing. Sign up to receive simple prompts and reflections straight to your inbox—no pressure, just gentle encouragement.
This has inspired me to create a Small Wins Tracker — a Creative Journey Map you can print and use at your own pace.
This isn’t a rigid planner or another to-do list telling you what you should be doing. It’s an easy space to gently jot down the wins you might otherwise overlook. The meals that feel a little better. The moments you showed up for when it would’ve been easier not to. The tiny steps that are quietly adding up.
You can use it daily or weekly. You can write one win or ten. There are no rules here. Just recognizing your effort.
Wins don’t have to be big to be worth celebrating. Small wins are what carry us forward, mile by mile.
I invite you to download the free Small Wins Tracker (Creative Journey Map) and start celebrating the progress you’re already making. One small stepping stone at a time.
From my road to yours, happy wandering.
Wandering Texan Journal 
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