Over half of Americans are at least somewhat likely to set work and career goals, but we all know that taking the steps to accomplish long-term goals can be challenging.

Let’s say that you want to be promoted from a nurse to a nurse manager, for example. Your current employer requires a master’s degree in nursing (MSN), two years of clinical experience, and a specific nurse executive certification to apply for that position.

You’ve already got four years of clinical experience, but you need the MSN and the certification. With a full workload, that can feel almost overwhelming… but the key is to start small.

Small wins are the building blocks of significant achievements and long-term sustained success toward your education and career ambitions, allowing adult learners and professionals to overcome multiple barriers that could otherwise prevent them from accomplishing their goals.

1. Fosters confidence

When you’re faced with daunting tasks— whether it’s leading team projects for the first time or returning to school for another degree—, it’s easy to feel like you aren’t cut out for the task at hand.

Imposter syndrome sets in, and you find yourself thinking:

• It’s been too long since I’ve been in school; I won’t do well anymore.
• I don’t have the time to excel in anything outside my current workload.
• I did alright with my bachelor’s degree, but what if I fail at my master’s?

Plenty of adult learners— especially those who have been out of school for a year or more— often struggle with confidence at some point in their continued education journey.

Starting on small tasks, however, can give you quick victories.

Applying to a program and getting accepted, for example, is one step and an immediate confidence boost. Similarly, taking a single class or certification and doing well can give you the confidence to tackle more challenging courses moving forward.

For this reason, some experts recommend starting easy. Selecting an easy course first worked well for one of our adult learners, who used the strategy to build confidence and momentum when obtaining her bachelor’s degree.

2. Makes larger goals manageable  

In many cases, career advancement goals may have multiple required steps that can feel overwhelming and even impossible. The key is to focus on much smaller tasks, one step at a time, to avoid overwhelm and keep you focused.

Out of these two options, for example, which sounds more manageable:

• I need to complete 10 difficult classes if I want to get my master’s degree and get the promotion.
• I need to complete one class that I chose this semester.

It’s essential to focus on a single task and ensure that you have the time, energy, and resources to do it well. Your overall journey feels much more possible when you do. This strategy may even help prevent you from biting off more than you can chew, helping you excel every step of the way.

3. Boosts motivation

A win of any kind can trigger dopamine in the brain, which is a feel-good hormone that can directly impact motivation. This can help you feel excited to continue your education and professional journey, helping to keep you going.

Continual small wins may help your motivation more than focusing exclusively on single large goals, as it can provide an ongoing dopamine loop.

Let’s look at an example.

Instead of focusing on the single large goal of “I must complete a master’s degree from an accredited school to be considered for my promotion” as the only goal, you can break down this goal into the following small tasks:

• Choose which schools you want to apply to.
• Submit your applications.
• Enroll following an acceptance.
• Take and complete your first test.
• Complete your first class.

Approaching each of these tasks individually can help you appreciate the wins when you experience them, keeping you more motivated and potentially combating burnout. 

4. Builds momentum

Career advancement is often a long-term journey, and not a single destination. That means that momentum can be key.

Plenty of professionals today are considering small, stackable courses instead of extended degree programs.

Obtaining a single certification is already a great win. However, as you earn multiple certifications (some of which may even contribute to a larger degree program), you can easily demonstrate a long list of new skills and experience to your employer.

Momentum and motivation go hand-in-hand, and both can help you keep your eye on the bigger picture as you work towards your larger professional goals.

Start small and create lasting success

We know better than anyone that pursuing continued education, training, and career advancement can feel intimidating. That’s why it’s so essential to start small, focusing on each micro-accomplishment as you reach it. Combined, these accomplishments can help you reach lasting success.

If you’re currently feeling overwhelmed or unsure of how to get started, you can use these tips:

• Get guidance. Sometimes the first small win you can earn is to ask for help. EdAssist’s coaches, for example, can help you choose career paths, select degree programs, and provide practical tips for success.
• Start easy. Out of all the tasks on your list, what feels most manageable right now? That may mean starting with an “easy” or exciting class to get you started and give you that first boost of confidence.
• Identify micro-accomplishments. It’s hard to celebrate a win if you don’t realize that it’s happened! Instead of viewing class completion as the first win, for example, you could focus on doing well on the first test. Every small win can give you that momentum to keep going, so celebrate every step of the progress!

Are you ready to start your continued education journey? Explore your education assistance benefits with Bright Horizons.