Celebrating Small Wins

How Small Wins Lead to Positive Outcomes in Social Work

As a Social Worker, it’s easy to focus only on the big victories – like a successful move, a court case resolved, or a care package finally agreed... These moments matter, but they don’t tell the whole story.

Having ADHD has taught me to value the small wins – the steps that might seem minor from the outside but can make all the difference. And often, it’s those small nudges forward that create the momentum needed for the lasting outcomes.

Why Small Wins Matter in Social Work

When you’re supporting people with complex needs, progress rarely comes in big leaps. It takes time, patience, and empathy.

Small steps might look like:

1. A person engaging when they've previously struggled

2. A carer agreeing to respite for the first time

3. An individual in a care setting trying a new activity (and loving it!)

Each of these moments may look small on the surface, but they’re huge when you understand the barriers that person has faced. Chipping away slowly builds confidence, creates hope, and reminds people that change is possible.

How ADHD Shapes My Perspective

My ADHD means my brain is constantly on the go. Big goals can sometimes feel overwhelming, but breaking them down into smaller steps makes them achievable. Celebrating progress along the way keeps me motivated – and that mindset has shaped my approach as a social worker.

When I meet individuals who feel stuck, unheard or written off, I focus on what we can achieve right now. One step, one choice, one positive change at a time. The trust built working this way is often leads to the overarching outcome everyone is hoping for.

Small Steps = Genuine Connection

In social work, trust is earned, and it doesn't happen overnight. Every individual has a story, challenges, and strengths that deserve to be recognised, but opening up isn't always comfortable for them. Tearing up the rulebook and allowing people to express themselves differently (like dancing or singing through the questions in an assessment) is where the real progress unfolds.

When people get to connect their way – whatever that looks like – it gives them a sense of agency. They feel understood, in control, and suddenly, engaging in the process starts to feel worthwhile.

Moral of the story? Small wins matter. They have the power to shape brighter futures.