Celebrating Small Wins: My Daughter’s Journey in Learning

Last week, my daughter embarked on a new adventure—attending her first braiding class. As with any new skill, excitement was paired with a touch of anxiety. She was eager to learn, but when she came home that evening, her enthusiasm had waned. Frustration replaced the anticipation as she explained how difficult it was for her to get the hang of braiding. “I just couldn’t do it,” she said, her disappointment evident.

As a parent, it’s always tough to see your child struggle, especially when they’re so determined to succeed. But I knew this was just the beginning of her journey. I reminded her to be kind to herself, reassuring her that it was okay not to master something on the first try. “It’s your first time,” I said. “You’ll get better. I believe in you.”

It’s easy to forget how challenging it can be to learn something new, especially when we see others around us who seem to excel effortlessly. In a world where instant gratification is often the norm, patience can be hard to come by. But learning is a process—a journey that starts with a single step. It’s not about getting it perfect right away but about showing up, trying, and giving yourself the grace to learn and improve over time.

Fast forward to this week, and I received a message from my daughter while she was in her braiding class. The message was simple but powerful: “I was able to do it 😊.” That small victory was monumental. It wasn’t just about mastering a braid; it was about perseverance, determination, and the sweet reward that comes with pushing through challenges.

This experience reminded me of the importance of celebrating small wins. Too often, we focus on the end goal, overlooking the incremental progress we make along the way. But it’s those small victories that build the foundation for greater successes. Every “I can’t” that turns into “I did it” is a testament to growth and resilience.

Learning isn’t always a smooth path. There will be moments of doubt, frustration, and even the temptation to quit. But these moments are crucial because they teach us patience, humility, and the value of persistence. They remind us that it’s okay to struggle, as long as we keep moving forward.

To anyone reading this who is learning something new, whether it’s a skill, a hobby, or a new way of thinking—don’t stop. Keep pushing through the challenges. Allow yourself to be a beginner. Celebrate the small wins, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Every step you take, no matter how small, is progress.

And to my daughter, I am so proud of you. Not just because you were able to braid, but because you didn’t give up when it was tough. You kept going, and that’s what truly matters. You’ve got this, and I can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next.

Learning is a process that begins with a first step. Embrace it, and remember that every effort counts. Keep pushing, and know that you’ve got this!