How Do You Win Big? Start Small
Written by: Authentic Leaders Group
Admiral William McRaven once said: “if you want to change the world, start by making your bed.” It’s a simple task, almost mundane, but it represents something much greater—the power of small, consistent actions that lead to long-term success. In leadership, business, and personal growth, the same principle applies. Winning big doesn’t start with giant leaps; it starts with small, intentional steps that create habits and shift mindsets over time.
We live in a world of instant gratification
Need groceries? They’ll be delivered within the hour. Want a new outfit? It arrives tomorrow. Booking in travel? Just a few clicks and you’re on your way. Today, anything we want is at our fingertips, but that’s not necessarily a good thing. We’ve become conditioned to expect immediate results, forgetting that meaningful progress comes from hard work and persistence.
How many times have you set a New Year’s resolution you just didn’t keep? Like many of us, you’ve probably done it a few times. Real success—especially in leadership—doesn’t just happen. True transformation isn’t about sudden, massive changes; it’s about shifting the needle by just 1cm today so that, over time, those small changes lead to exponential growth.
Don’t overlook a small win
There’s power in an easy win. You don’t become a great leader overnight, just as you don’t develop deep relationships or build trust instantly. The process itself is what teaches the most valuable lessons. The key to long-term success isn’t just about setting big goals—it’s about shifting your mindset to embrace the journey. What’s the journey? A string of small wins.
Starting with small, easy wins—like checking in on your team, remembering their birthdays, or simply acknowledging their hard work—might seem trivial, but these habits build trust, rapport, and a strong leadership presence. When these actions become second nature, they form the foundation for bigger successes down the road.
Team leadership starts with self-leadership
Winning big starts by mastering the basics—whether it’s showing up on time, following through on commitments, or making small improvements every day. To lead others effectively, you need to lead yourself. Self-leadership is about taking ownership of your habits and behaviors. It’s not about quick fixes; it’s about consistency and discipline.
Forget the grand gestures and focus on showing up, consistently doing the small things right, and earning trust over time. Just like laying rubber on the road, success in leadership requires daily effort and intentionality. It’s about repetition, relationship-building, and proving through action that you are reliable, trustworthy, and committed.
A catalyst for long-term change
At Authentic Leaders Group, we believe that leadership transformation begins with these fundamentals. Our multi-day immersive experiences challenge participants to reflect, reset, and build the skills they need to grow—not just for the immediate days, but for weeks, months and years to come. Our immersions are designed to be the spark that ignites real, lasting change. But while we guide leaders through impactful activities and deep reflections over three days, the real work begins afterward.
That’s where self-accountability comes in. We provide tools, reminders, and experiences that help leaders reconnect with what they learned during our immersions. These touchpoints serve as nudges—reminding them of their goals, reinforcing their commitment, and keeping them on track when old habits start creeping back in. We’re here to help, but we won’t hold your hand.
The journey is yours to own.