Break the Trap of ‘Big Bang’ Launches: Momentum Comes from Small, Early Wins

It’s tempting to chase grand openings, all-or-nothing launches, or to hold back until every detail is perfect. But genuine, sustainable momentum almost always grows out of a string of small, visible wins. Picture a student dreading the mountain of work needed for a science fair project. Instead of planning every stage to the last bolt, she sets out to test just one experiment today. At each step, she marks off her progress with a bright sticker, feels a hit of satisfaction, and finds herself wanting to keep moving. Her teacher, noticing this pattern, cheers her on at every visible result—not just at the final presentation.

This isn’t just feel-good advice. Research into 'habits of achievement,' like those documented by James Clear in "Atomic Habits," shows that small, satisfying steps—paired with quick rewards—train the brain to crave the next action. It’s the flywheel effect at work: every rotation, no matter how small, stores energy for the next attempt. You’re building not just progress, but confidence, a habit of learning, and resilience for the tough parts down the line.

Pick your next big project and ask yourself or your group, what’s the smallest action you could complete that would actually move the needle? Launch just that piece, gather some applause or a small reward when it’s done, and reflect on the learning together. Resist the pull to expand too quickly or demand perfection before starting. Track progress publicly—on a board, a chat group, or just with friends—so each win spurs the next. If you stack small wins and savor each one, you’ll find energy and momentum sneaking up on you. Give it a shot today.