Massive success doesn’t come along often, but when it does, it’s a cumulation of several smaller successes along the way. Whether you have a lofty goal in mind, or are just trying to muddle through the complexities of high school, college, or the real world, everyone has moments where they feel like they’ve made progress. That progress could be getting an A in a class you found difficult all semester, or learning how to speak a new language. It’s a small piece of achieving whatever you have your mind set on.

No matter how big or how small, I’ve come to realize that even the simplest things can make you feel like everything’s one step closer to falling into place. It’s not easy being patient, but each individual success counts toward something. It’s the internal moments where the lightbulb flickers for a second, and then turns on, brightening a room with the feat that’s just been accomplished. For me, those lightbulb moments keep me motivated. They are reminders that amongst failure, stress, and periods of anxiety, there are reasons to keep going.

One thing I’ve learned is that while I believe everything happens for a reason, I also believe each person plays a large role in their destiny. The choices we make on a daily basis impact who we are and what we do. The decision to take extra reps or spend a few extra minutes studying show endless traits that characterize you as a person. It’s when those “extra” decisions start producing results that you truly start to notice what you’re doing. Sure, it’s a conscious choice to get out of bed when your alarm beeps the first time instead of the second, but there’s always that sliver of doubt that keeps you wondering if it all makes a difference. As someone who has her fair share of doubt, the little victories push me to strive for more while second guessing myself less. There’s nothing more reassuring than a simple verification that you’re doing something right.

Some people use the analogy, “it’s about the journey, not the destination,” and sometimes I agree with it. However, I think getting too wrapped up in the journey keeps the destination farther away. The idea of living in the moment and enjoying the experiences that come your way are integral to live a life you’re proud of, but keeping the end goal in mind is just as important. I believe that getting caught up in the journey itself helps each person grow, but also takes away from the process of reaching a goal. It’s about balancing the mindset and knowing what you want for yourself.

So, as we all experience failure and discomfort in our lives, remember to embrace and appreciate the little victories along the way. They’re not there by accident; they are a product of hard work and dedication. Even though they may not be the life highlights you’re most proud of, sometimes they mean just as much, if not more.