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|“A career is built on small wins and bold leaps.” — Drew Feig
In today’s fast-paced job market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the big picture. We all aspire to land that dream role, scale the corporate ladder, or launch a new professional venture—but sometimes these ambitions can seem too distant to grasp. At Suits Recruitment, we believe that achieving long-term success starts with both celebrating small victories and having the courage to take calculated risks. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can apply this philosophy—originally voiced by leadership coach Drew Feig—to accelerate your own career, step by step.

1. Recognize the Power of Small Wins
Every major accomplishment in your career—whether it’s a promotion, an industry award, or launching a startup—starts with a series of incremental achievements. These “small wins” lay the foundation for confidence, motivation, and tangible progress.
a. Define Clear, Measurable Goals
- Set milestones: Instead of aiming for “become a team leader,” break that aspiration into targeted steps: complete a leadership training program by Q2, volunteer to lead a small project by Q3, and request feedback from peers each month.
- Track progress: Use a simple spreadsheet or app to jot down each accomplishment—no matter how minor. The act of logging successes reinforces your momentum.
b. Celebrate Daily and Weekly Wins
- Acknowledge incremental progress: Did you finish a challenging report, secure a new client meeting, or refine your presentation skills? These are all “small wins” worth recognition.
- Share your victories: Post about your progress on LinkedIn or discuss it with a mentor. Celebrating publicly (or even privately) reminds you that you’re heading in the right direction.
c. Build Confidence Through Consistency
- Cultivate a routine: Consistently dedicating time to skill-building—be it reading a new industry report, practicing interview responses, or completing a short online course—compounds into expertise.
- Leverage feedback loops: Seek constructive feedback from supervisors or colleagues. Each positive comment about your work is another small win, reinforcing that you’re on the right path.
By focusing on these small, daily achievements, you’ll build a track record of success that makes larger goals feel attainable.
2. Embrace Bold Leaps—When the Time is Right
While small wins keep you motivated, bold leaps provide the opportunity to accelerate growth. A bold leap might mean switching industries, applying for a senior-level position when you still feel underqualified, starting a side hustle, or relocating for better opportunities. Although these moves involve risk, they can also yield high rewards.
a. Evaluate and Research Before Leaping
- Conduct market research: If you’re considering changing roles or industries, investigate growth areas in your field. Which skills are in high demand? What companies are known for strong workplace culture?
- Perform a personal SWOT analysis: List your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Honest self-assessment ensures you understand both the risks and the potential benefits of the move.
b. Create a Contingency Plan
- Financial preparedness: If your bold leap involves temporary unemployment (for example, quitting a job to launch a startup or returning to school for a certification), ensure you have three to six months of living expenses set aside.
- Skill gap coverage: Identify any knowledge or credentials you’ll need for the new venture—then spend a few months upskilling, networking with industry professionals, or volunteering in related roles.
c. Cultivate Support Systems
- Mentorship: Seek out a mentor who’s navigated a similar transition. Their firsthand experience can help you avoid pitfalls and fine-tune your approach.
- Peer network: Surround yourself with colleagues and friends who can offer honest feedback, encouragement, and potentially open doors to new opportunities.
Remember: A bold leap doesn’t mean plunging in blindly. It means making an informed, strategic decision based on thorough preparation.
3. How Small Wins and Bold Leaps Work Together
When you combine consistent small wins with carefully planned bold leaps, your career trajectory can accelerate. Here’s how the two play off each other:
- Small Wins Build Momentum: As you rack up achievements—finishing a project ahead of schedule, generating positive feedback, or completing a relevant online course—you boost your confidence and build credibility within your network.
- Bold Leap Becomes Less Daunting: With a solid foundation of accomplishments, asking for that promotion or applying to your dream company no longer feels out of reach. You can point to real, recent wins when making your case.
- Leap Opens Doors for New Wins: When your bold leap pays off—landing a senior role, securing startup funding, or transitioning into a new field—you immediately create new opportunities for small, consistent successes. Each positive outcome becomes a stepping stone to the next milestone.
4. Real‑World Examples: Small Wins + Bold Leaps in Action
Example 1: From Junior Analyst to Team Lead
- Small Wins: A junior analyst at a financial firm starts by mastering data visualization tools, presenting weekly insights to the team, and mentoring two interns.
- Bold Leap: After 18 months, she applies for a Team Lead position even though she’s one peer short of the advertised experience requirements. Because of her track record—improved reporting accuracy (a measurable small win) and positive feedback from colleagues—she secures the role and is promoted.
Example 2: Launching a Remote Consultancy
- Small Wins: A marketing specialist builds a portfolio of freelance projects on the side, consistently earning 4.8/5 client satisfaction scores and leveraging positive testimonials.
- Bold Leap: Confident in her abilities and client network, she leaves her full‑time job to launch a boutique remote marketing consultancy. Her freelance track record (small wins) provides credibility, and she hits six‑figure revenue within a year.
5. Action Steps: Apply This Philosophy Today
Whether you’re just starting out or reevaluating your mid‑career goals, the blend of
small wins and bold leaps can guide your next move. Here’s a quick action plan:
- Identify One Small Win to Pursue Today: It could be finishing an online certification, updating your LinkedIn profile, or scheduling a coffee chat with a mentor.
- Set a Long‑Term “Leap” Goal: What’s one career milestone that feels bold but exciting? Maybe it’s applying to a senior role, pitching a new business idea, or relocating for an international opportunity.
- Map Out Incremental Steps: Break that long‑term goal into monthly or quarterly tasks. Celebrate each achievement—no matter how small.
- Engage Your Network: Let peers, mentors, or even a friendly recruiter (like Suits Recruitment) know you’re pursuing new challenges. Their insights can help you refine your strategy and stay accountable.
6. Conclusion: Your Career Is a Journey of Growth and Courage
“A career is built on small wins and bold leaps.”
Drew Feig’s words remind us that success rarely happens overnight—it’s the result of consistent progress, self‑belief, and calculated risk‑taking. At Suits Recruitment, we’re passionate about helping you identify those small wins, prepare for bold leaps, and navigate every stage of your professional journey with confidence.
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Ready to start your next small win—or plan your bold leap? Explore our latest job listings, career resources, and expert guidance at
www.suitsrecruitment.com. Let’s build your future together, one step at a time.
Join the Conversation
What’s the next small win or bold leap you’re planning? Comment below and share your goals with our community!
#CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #BoldLeaps #SmallWins #SuitsRecruitment
By: Joy Khaylin Ugokwe









