Like many entrepreneurs, I’m driven by the thrill of achievement. Checking off a completed task—even something as simple as replying to an email—gives me a sense of progress. That little hit of accomplishment is more than a feel-good moment. It provides real psychological fuel to push through the day.
And I’m not alone. The tendency to favor quick wins over larger, more important projects is deeply rooted in human psychology. Researchers have found that our brains release dopamine when we experience success, including small achievements. It’s no surprise that many entrepreneurs are wired to seek out these mini-milestones, even if they aren’t the most critical priorities for the business.
But here’s the rub: while those quick wins can make us feel productive, they can sometimes distract us from the big-picture goals—the ones that move the business forward in a substantial way.
This is a trap I’ve had to consciously avoid in my own journey. Larger tasks—whether it’s designing a new product or planning a strategic pivot—can be overwhelming. They lack the immediate payoff of checking something off a list. Because of that, they’re easy to delay in favor of things that offer a quicker sense of closure.
So, how do you fight the lure of short-term wins without losing motivation?
For me, the answer lies in breaking big goals into smaller, achievable milestones. It’s a practice rooted in a technique often referred to as “Task Chunking“—dividing complex tasks into manageable pieces. By carving out smaller wins from within a larger initiative, I get to keep that dopamine flowing while still making progress toward the important stuff.
For example, when I’m working on a new business model for a client or writing a comprehensive resource guide, I’ll set weekly targets that are ambitious yet realistic. Each mini-milestone I hit acts like a mental high-five—it keeps my energy level high and ensures that the bigger objective doesn’t slip into the abyss of procrastination.
There’s a deeper benefit, too: small wins reinforce momentum. Harvard Business Review refers to this as the “progress principle,” which suggests that of all the things that can boost emotions, motivation, and perceptions during a workday, the single most important is making progress in meaningful work.
Even if a milestone is relatively minor—drafting an outline, building a prototype, or reaching out to three potential partners—it matters. Each one acts as proof that you’re moving forward, even when the end goal still feels far away.
Ultimately, it’s not just about tricking yourself into feeling good. It’s about creating a sustainable rhythm that balances urgency with purpose. This practice helps keep morale high, decision fatigue low, and burnout at bay.
So yes, I absolutely celebrate quick wins. I rely on them. They’re my stepping stones to something bigger.
Do you take time to celebrate small victories—or are you still waiting for the big win before you let yourself feel accomplished?
