Build the Momentum: Why Leaders Need Goals, Joy & Micro-Wins
How breaking things down, showing up consistently, and celebrating the small steps unlocks significant leadership breakthroughs.
Leadership is about direction, your team’s and your own. But too often, we set bold, ambitious goals and forget the most essential part: how we get there.
We talk about the destination, but not the road. We cheer the milestones, but not the effort it takes to take that first step, or the 20 steps after that. And we certainly don’t pause to celebrate the quiet, consistent progress.
If you're always focused on the “big win,” you're missing the power of momentum, and that’s what truly drives sustainable leadership.
Why Progress Matters More Than Perfection
High performers often fall into an all-or-nothing trap. If they can’t tackle the whole thing now, they wait. But real leaders know that transformation happens in the showing up, not just in the winning.
Think of your goals in three categories:
Professional Development: advancing your craft, influence, or skills.
Personal Development: deepening self-awareness, resilience, or focus.
Joy + Play: restoring your energy, curiosity, and creativity.
Working across these three areas each week isn’t just good self-care; it’s leadership fuel.
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier
The Micro-Win Strategy: Break It Down to Build It Up
Here’s how to work your goals with less burnout and more momentum:
Pick 1 goal in each category: professional, personal, and playful.
Break them into 30-day sprints: this gives urgency and clarity without the overwhelm.
Break the sprint into weekly actions. Every Friday, review and reset.
Celebrate weekly progress (yes, even the small stuff). Momentum is a mood, and you can build it.
“Don’t wait until you’ve reached your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of every step you take.”
Why This Matters for Leaders
Your energy sets the tone. When you're focused and in flow, your team follows suit.
You model what it means to grow. That gives others permission to evolve.
You stay resilient. Burnout isn’t always about doing too much; it’s about not doing enough of what lights you up.
Great leadership isn’t just about doing more. It’s about doing the right things, consistently, with heart.
Try This: Action Steps for the Week
Write down one goal in each category (professional, personal, joy).
Give each a 30-day window.
Identify one thing you can do this week to move each forward.
Set aside 15 minutes every Friday to review progress and celebrate, even if it's just checking the box.
Keep going. Your next breakthrough might just be one tiny, intentional step away.
P.S. We just wrapped up our latest Leadership Mastermind, guiding an extraordinary group of leaders through a powerful season of growth, self-discovery, and transformation. It’s been an honor to witness the breakthroughs, the clarity, and the bold steps each leader took, both personally and professionally. If you're ready to invest in your own development, connect deeply with other driven leaders, and lead with greater authenticity and intention, our next cohort will kick off in January 2026. Join the waitlist here
“Tiny wins create trust—with yourself.”
Resources to Dive Deeper
Ready to ditch the "check-out" mentality and embrace true delegation? Here are some resources to fuel your journey:
Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear - A masterclass on how small actions build big results. Read it here
Book: Essentialism by Greg McKeown - Learn to focus only on what is truly essential in work and life. Read it here
Article: The Progress Principle by Harvard Business Review - Why making progress at work is key to motivation. Read it here
Podcast: Dare to Lead with Brené Brown - Courage, values, and the inner work of leadership. Listen here
Podcast: The One Thing - On the power of narrowing your focus to what matters most. Listen here
The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman
Why it’s worth your shelf:
This timeless book offers 366 bite-sized meditations rooted in ancient Stoic philosophy, perfect for modern leaders navigating uncertainty, pressure, and high-stakes decisions. Each daily entry blends wisdom from Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus with practical reflections you can apply immediately. It’s a powerful way to start your day grounded, focused, and intentional.
Whether you're building a company, leading a team, or leading yourself, The Daily Stoic is a steady companion in the art of resilient, values-driven leadership.
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“Momentum is a form of self-leadership. The more you create it, the more you believe in what’s possible.”
— Leadership Mastery Network
