Let’s be real — life is a lot. Sometimes it’s exciting, sometimes it’s messy, sometimes it’s just… boring. And in between all that, we’re all out here doing our best to keep it together.
We talk a lot about big wins — promotions, new houses, travel goals, hitting milestones. And hey, those are amazing. Celebrate them all you want. But I think the quiet, behind-the-scenes wins deserve some love too.
So I thought I’d share what my quiet wins look like. Not the ones that show up in a highlight reel — just the little things that make me feel like, “Okay, I did good today.”
1. Getting Through a Day Without Overthinking Everything
Some days, I spiral over the tiniest things — a text I sent, how I looked in a Zoom call, whether I sounded weird in that one meeting. But on those days where my brain gives me a break? When I just exist without dissecting every move I make?
Massive win. I don’t even care if nothing amazing happened that day — just feeling a bit more at ease is enough.
2. Doing the Dishes Right After Eating
Is this groundbreaking? Nope. But for me, washing dishes right after I eat instead of letting them “soak” (a.k.a. sit in the sink for 8 hours) feels like winning at adulthood.
It’s the little habits like this — tidying up as I go, folding laundry on the same day I wash it — that make me feel like I’m holding my life together. Barely. But still.
3. Making My Bed in the Morning
There are days when I roll out of bed like a gremlin and leave it looking like a tornado hit it. But on days when I take two minutes to fluff the pillows and pull the blanket straight?
Chef’s kiss. It’s not even about aesthetics — it just makes my whole day feel 5% more organized.
4. Leaving the House on a Lazy Day
If I’m honest, I could easily spend a weekend indoors, in pajamas, scrolling, snacking, and barely touching sunlight. So on the days I manage to put on real clothes and go outside — even just for a walk or to grab a coffee?
That’s a quiet win. Because it means I pushed past the “meh” mood and gave myself a little reset.
5. Replying to That One Message I’ve Been Avoiding
You know that one text or email that’s been sitting in your notifications forever? Not even because it’s hard to answer — just because your brain refuses?
When I finally respond, even if it’s days (okay, weeks) later, I instantly feel 10 pounds lighter. It’s such a tiny task, but somehow it feels like a major victory.
6. Drinking Enough Water
Some days I go from coffee to tea to soda and realize I’ve basically consumed zero actual water. But when I refill my bottle throughout the day and actually finish it?
Go me. Hydration: achieved.
7. Saying “No” Without Over-Explaining
I used to feel like I needed a whole TED Talk just to say no. Now, if I can politely decline something — an event, a favor, whatever — without spiraling or over-apologizing?
That’s growth. It might be awkward, but it’s better than stretching myself too thin.
8. Not Ordering Takeout (Even Though I Really Wanted To)
There are days when cooking just isn’t happening. But when I actually throw something together — even if it’s just toast and eggs or a lazy pasta — I feel proud.
It means I used what I had. I saved money. I made a semi-responsible choice. That counts.
9. Catching Myself Before the Negative Self-Talk Starts
You know when you mess something up, and your brain’s ready to go: “Ugh, you always do this” or “Why are you like this?”
Well, on the days I catch myself and say, “Hold on. It’s okay. Everyone makes mistakes,” that’s a quiet win. A big one, actually. Because self-compassion doesn’t always come naturally — but it changes everything
10. Finishing a Task I’ve Been Procrastinating For Days
Filing something. Booking an appointment. Organizing that junk drawer. Anything that I’ve put off way too long.
The moment I finally get it done — even if it only takes 10 minutes — I feel like a superhero. Why do I wait so long? Who knows. But the relief afterward? 10/10.
11. Letting Myself Do Nothing (And Not Feeling Guilty About It)
Sometimes rest looks like watching three episodes of a show in bed. Or scrolling aimlessly. Or just lying there doing absolutely nothing.
If I can let myself chill without that voice in my head saying “you should be doing something,” that’s a quiet win. Because rest is productive too, even if we forget that.
12. Speaking Up in a Meeting
Even if I only say one sentence. Even if my voice shakes a little.
Just unmuting and contributing when I usually stay quiet — that’s a win for me. It might seem small to others, but it takes effort. And courage.
13. Going to Bed Before Midnight
Is this what growing up looks like? I used to be a proud night owl. But these days, if I get into bed at a reasonable time and actually sleep, I wake up feeling like I’ve hacked life.
Not every night. But on the nights it happens — huge win.
14. Reaching Out to a Friend First
Sometimes I wait too long to check in with people. Not because I don’t care — just because life is loud, and my brain is tired.
So when I randomly text someone just to say “hey, thinking of you” — that feels good. Because connection matters. And showing up for others, even in small ways, is something I want to be better at.
15. Laughing at Myself Instead of Getting Stressed
Spilled coffee on my shirt right before a call? Tripped over literally nothing in public? Old me would have been embarrassed for hours. New me? I just laugh it off.
Because at some point, you’ve gotta stop taking every little thing so seriously. Finding humor in the chaos is a quiet win I’ll gladly take.
16. Saying “I Don’t Know” Without Shame
I used to hate not having the answer — like I had to always be on top of everything. Now? I’m okay saying, “I’m not sure,” or “Let me check on that.”
Not pretending to know it all is actually really freeing. It means I’m learning. It means I’m human.
17. Not Checking My Phone First Thing in the Morning
Let’s be honest — most mornings start with a scroll. Emails, news, memes, chaos.
But on the rare days I don’t immediately reach for my phone? When I stretch, breathe, or just sit with my thoughts for a few minutes?
The tone for the whole day changes. Quiet win, major ripple effect.
18. Wearing Something That Makes Me Feel Good
It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just an outfit that makes me feel comfy and confident. A color I like. A hoodie that feels like a hug.
Putting in even a little effort into how I dress — not for others, just for me — makes me walk a little taller.
19. Making It to the End of the Day and Saying, “That Was Enough”
Some days aren’t exciting or productive or anything special. They just are. But if I get to the end of the day, and I didn’t spiral, didn’t fall apart, didn’t beat myself up — that’s a win.
Just living. Just making it through. That’s enough.
20. Noticing the Good Stuff Along the Way
A really good cup of coffee. A random compliment from a stranger. A dog wagging its tail at me. A song that hits at the right time.
When I notice these little things — and let them lift me up, even just a bit — I realize that life isn’t just about the big moments. It’s the little ones that add up.
Final Thoughts
Quiet wins aren’t flashy. They don’t get shared online. Most people wouldn’t even notice them.
But to me, they matter just as much — sometimes more. Because they’re signs of growth. Of showing up. Of trying, even when things are hard or boring or completely ordinary.
So if your day wasn’t exciting or productive or “impressive,” that’s okay. Did you take care of yourself in small ways? Did you move through the day with a little more kindness? Did you just make it?
Then I’d say: that’s a win.
And you deserve to feel proud of it.
Ayerhs Magazine 