Celebrating Wins: Why Small Victories Matter in Your Journey
Celebrating Wins: Why Small Victories Matter in Your Journey
Sometimes the road to professional transformation feels more like a marathon through mud than a sprint on a track. That was certainly true for me when I first considered leaving the safety of my hospital job to start my own private practice. I was consumed by the "big" goals: getting credentialed, securing a lease, finding my first ten patients. In the shadow of those mountains, the daily steps I took—like finally designing a logo or figuring out my EHR system—felt insignificant.
But looking back, I realize that those small moments weren't just stepping stones; they were the foundation of my success. As Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs), we are often conditioned to focus on the crisis, the pathology, and the long-term treatment plan. We can be so future-focused on patient outcomes or our own career milestones that we forget to pause and acknowledge the progress happening right now.
If you are in the midst of a career transition—whether you are battling burnout, shifting to telepsychiatry, or launching your own clinic—learning to celebrate small wins isn't just "fluff." It is a critical strategy for sustainability and mental wellness.
The Psychology of Small Wins in Healthcare
Why do small victories matter so much? It comes down to how our brains process progress. When we acknowledge a win, no matter how minor, our brain releases dopamine. This neurotransmitter is often associated with pleasure, but its biological function is actually motivation and learning.
In the high-stress environment of mental health care, where progress with patients can be non-linear and slow, PMHNPs are at high risk for burnout. We often finish a 10-hour shift focusing on the one patient who is struggling rather than the seven who are stable. We apply this same harsh filter to our own professional growth.
By intentionally celebrating small wins, you are hacking your own reward system. You are training your brain to recognize competence and progress, which builds the resilience needed to tackle the larger, more daunting challenges of healthcare entrepreneurship or clinical leadership.
Redefining "Success" as a PMHNP
What does a "win" look like when you are transforming your career? It doesn't always look like a signed contract or a full patient panel. Sometimes, success is much quieter.
1. The Administrative Victories
If you are moving toward private practice, the administrative burden can feel crushing. But every form filed is a victory.
The Win: You successfully navigated the CAQH application without throwing your laptop out the window.
The Celebration: Acknowledge that you are advocating for your future self. Take a dedicated 15-minute break to do something purely for enjoyment, not productivity.
2. The Boundary Victories
For many of us, transformation means reclaiming our time and energy from systems that overwork us.
The Win: You said "no" to an extra shift because you needed to work on your business plan (or just sleep).
The Celebration: Recognize this as an act of self-preservation. This isn't laziness; it's strategic resource management.
3. The Clinical Victories
Even as you focus on business growth, your clinical skills are evolving.
The Win: You handled a complex medication management case with a new level of confidence, or you utilized a new telehealth tool seamlessly.
The Celebration: Reflect on how far you've come since your first year of practice. Your expertise is a tangible asset.
How to Integrate Celebration into Your Routine
You don't need a party to celebrate. In fact, for the busy PMHNP, celebration needs to be efficient and internal. Here are three practical ways to integrate this practice into your daily life.
The "Done" List
We are all familiar with the To-Do list, which often grows longer by the end of the day. Try keeping a "Done" list instead. At the end of your workday, write down three things you accomplished. Did you finally return that difficult email? Did you research a new billing code? Did you prioritize your lunch break? Writing these down solidifies the memory of success.
Peer Connection
Isolation is the enemy of transformation. When we work in silos, our struggles feel unique and our wins feel trivial. Share your small victories with a colleague or a mentor. When you say, "I finally figured out how to integrate my calendar with my EHR," and a peer responds with, "That is huge, that saved me hours," it validates your effort. Connecting with other PMHNPs who are on a similar path creates a culture of collective encouragement.
Visual Anchors
Sometimes we need a visual reminder of our progress. If you are saving money to open a clinic, create a visual tracker. If you are working on continuing education, frame your certificates immediately—don't leave them in a PDF file on your desktop. These visual cues serve as reminders that you are moving forward, even when the daily grind feels stagnant.
From Desperation to Determination
I remember a specific Tuesday afternoon early in my transition. I had just finished a call with an insurance panel that had been incredibly frustrating. I felt small, ineffective, and ready to quit. But then I looked at my notebook. Earlier that morning, I had drafted my mission statement. It was just a paragraph, but it was mine. It defined the kind of care I wanted to provide—care that was empathetic, patient-centered, and unhurried.
That mission statement was a small win. It was a declaration of intent. I took a deep breath, reread my words, and felt a shift. What started as desperation regarding the insurance call transformed into determination to build a practice where I called the shots.
If you are reading this because you are facing similar unexpected career upheaval or simply the daunting friction of starting something new, know this: sometimes our greatest professional achievements grow from our most challenging moments.
Moving Forward with Hope
Transformation is not a linear event; it is a collection of thousands of tiny choices. It is the choice to keep going when the technology fails. It is the choice to value your own well-being. It is the choice to view a small step as a victory rather than a delay.
As you continue your journey—whether you are an advanced practice nurse seeking more autonomy, better work-life balance, or a way to better serve your patients—don't wait for the finish line to clap for yourself.
Celebrate the email sent. Celebrate the boundary set. Celebrate the vision you are holding for your future. These small victories are the fuel that will get you there.
