Lick an ice cream instead of eating a frog!
The Power of Progress: Why Small Wins Drive Big Success
You’ve probably heard the advice: Eat That Frog! — start your day by tackling the biggest, hardest, most unpleasant task first – from the Brian Tracey book. But what if there’s another way? What if, instead of wrestling with a frog first thing in the morning, you could set yourself up for success by focusing on small wins that build momentum throughout the day?
I gave up eating frogs and instead eating my dessert before main course about ten years ago. I found it didn’t inspire me to start the day, knowing that the first thing I had to face was undesirable. It works for plenty of people, but not for me.
That’s where The Progress Principle, developed by Harvard Business School professor Teresa Amabile and psychologist Steven Kramer, comes in. Their research found that small, meaningful progress is the single most powerful motivator in work. Even minor accomplishments create a ripple effect, fuelling motivation, boosting engagement, and ultimately driving bigger successes. This works amazingly well for me.
The Progress Loop: Small Steps, Big Impact
At the heart of “The Progress Principle” is the “Progress Loop”—a cycle where progress, no matter how small, triggers positive emotions, which in turn fuel further motivation and productivity. It works like this:
- Make progress – Take even the smallest step forward.
- Feel good about it – A sense of accomplishment boosts motivation.
- Use that motivation – Increased energy and confidence lead to more action.
- Repeat the process – Progress builds upon itself, creating a self-reinforcing loop.
How to Apply the Progress Loop in Business
1. Start Small, Gain Momentum
Instead of beginning with the toughest task, start with something achievable. Send an important email, tick off a quick admin task, or complete a small but meaningful action. I start each day by ticking one simple item off my to-do list, usually before breakfast. I feel like I’m ahead because I haven’t even started the day yet! It makes it easier to tackle larger projects.
2. Track and Celebrate Progress
Seeing tangible evidence of progress fuels motivation. Keep a visible checklist, a progress journal, or use software tools that highlight completed tasks. Even small achievements, when recognised, create a psychological boost. I have this in two forms – a to-do list which I’ve found works best for me on paper. It’s so satisfying to draw a line right through the completed item – YES! Progress! In addition, I have my key goals for the quarter broken down into weekly tasks, which I tick off by the end of each week. If I can also tick off one task from next week, I’m winning again!
3. Encourage a Progress-Focused Culture
If you lead a team, celebrate not just the big wins but also the small steps that contribute to success. Acknowledging incremental progress improves morale, engagement, and creativity. We all want to aim for perfection, but progress is what matters. Incremental gains, consistently, over a long period of time are what creates success.
4. End the Day on a Positive Note
Instead of focusing on what’s left undone, take a moment to reflect on what moved forward. Even on tough days, recognising progress prevents burnout and keeps motivation high. It’s OK if some days the tasks get done. But carve out some time to catch-up by the end of the week.
Small Wins, Big Results
While Eat That Frog works for some, “The Progress Principle” offers an alternative approach: build momentum, gain confidence, and use small victories to fuel larger achievements. Progress isn’t about making massive leaps—it’s about making consistent forward movement. And that’s what leads to long-term success.
Action Point: So, what’s one small step you could take today to start your own Progress Loop?
