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Finding Progress and Purpose Through Life’s Challenges
Published 12 days ago • 9 min read
Hello Reader,
We all know that life throws curveballs, and when you're navigating brain health challenges – whether for yourself or a loved one – those curveballs can feel more like fastballs. It's easy to get discouraged when progress seems slow or setbacks keep popping up. But what if we shifted our focus? What if, instead of solely focusing on the big, overwhelming goals, we started celebrating the small victories?
This month, we're diving into "The Power of Small Wins" and exploring how recognizing those little moments of progress can fuel our purpose and perseverance. It’s about finding God's grace in the everyday, and building momentum through the tiny triumphs that often go unnoticed. Because sometimes, it's the smallest steps that lead us to the biggest breakthroughs.
The Power of Small Wins: Finding Progress and Purpose Through Life’s Challenges
In the journey of life, few forces are as powerful as momentum. Like a river that starts as a trickle before becoming a mighty current, our small daily steps forward can accumulate into significant life change. For those navigating brain health challenges, understanding and harnessing momentum becomes not just helpful, but essential for well-being.
From a Christian perspective, we are called to walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7) and to continue pressing on toward the goal (Philippians 3:14). Even in a season of struggle, taking small, consistent steps forward can transform our mental and spiritual well-being. In this article, we’ll explore why momentum is essential, how it impacts mental health, and practical ways to cultivate progress in your daily life.
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Momentum, when it comes to personal development, isn’t just about speed—it’s about direction, consistency, and the compound effect of small actions. Dr. Caroline Leaf, a cognitive neuroscientist who studies brain health, explains that “neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections—requires consistent activation.” In other words, repeated actions create stronger pathways in our brains, making positive behaviors easier over time.
When we make progress, our brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with motivation and reward. This creates a positive feedback loop, reinforcing good habits and encouraging us to keep going. Regardless of what challenges you might be facing, it is easy to feel stuck. The positive feedback loop created by small wins can give us just what we need to keep moving forward.
Research in behavioral psychology shows that small, consistent progress—often called the “progress principle”—is a key driver of long-term success and well-being (Amabile & Kramer, 2011). Even the tiniest victories can lead to increased motivation, reduced stress, and improved overall brain health. Maintaining momentum can be difficult for those facing brain health challenges, but even the smallest steps forward count as progress.
For Christians facing brain health challenges, this scientific principle of neuroplasticity and momentum beautifully aligns with scriptural wisdom. Philippians 3:13-14 reminds us: “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
A Biblical Foundation for Progress
I often ask myself, “What does the Bible say about this particular topic?” The concept of progress permeates Scripture. Noah built the ark “according to all that God commanded him” (Genesis 6:22), not all at once, but through small steps of obedience. The Israelites journeyed toward the Promised Land a step at a time. Even Jesus grew “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52).
For those experiencing depression, anxiety, or cognitive challenges, these examples paint a picture of hope. They remind us that God’s timeline often involves gradual improvement rather than instant transformation
Scripture repeatedly shows us the importance of perseverance and steady progress in our faith and life. Take a look at just a few verses where the Bible speaks about taking small steps toward progress.
1. Philippians 3:13-14 – “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Paul reminds us that looking ahead is key to spiritual and personal growth.
2. Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Even when progress feels slow, persistence leads to breakthrough.
3. Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Strength comes from trusting God, even when taking just one step forward at a time.
The Link Between Progress and Mental Well-Being
For individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, or other brain health concerns, stagnation can feel like an emotional prison. Without forward movement, it’s easy to feel stuck, hopeless, or unmotivated.
Something that I have seen in my life is the longer a goal, task, or project goes without seeing some sort of forward movement, the more likely it is for me to experience frustration, discouragement, and sometimes a season of depression. Tasks or projects that begin as mildly intimidating can quickly evolve into deeper fears, increased doubt, and negative thinking. When I find myself struggling with a particular task or project, I will often ask myself, “What does success look like today?” This one question tends to reframe whatever I am struggling with into a moment of clarity where I can move forward.
Proverbs 13:12 teaches, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” By breaking larger aspirations into manageable steps, we create opportunities for regular fulfillment rather than perpetual disappointment.
Research consistently shows that setting and achieving small goals creates a psychological “success cycle” that builds confidence and motivation. For someone with brain fog or executive function challenges, completing even a minor task can trigger the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine that reinforces positive behavior. Goal-setting and progress tracking have been shown to significantly improve mental health (Sheldon & Elliot, 1999). Small actions—like making your bed, going for a short walk, or completing a simple task—can shift your mindset from helplessness to empowerment.
It’s important to note that progress doesn’t have to be massive to be meaningful. Each step forward strengthens resilience, builds confidence, and reminds us that God is working in our lives, even in the small things.
Momentum Through Community
The early church understood that spiritual growth happens best in community. Acts 2:42 describes believers as “devoted to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” This communal approach offers a powerful model for those facing brain health challenges. When we struggle to maintain momentum independently, the body of Christ becomes essential.
A supportive faith community provides accountability, encouragement, and practical assistance. As Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 affirms, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” I have never seen this more clearly than since starting the Overflow Community. Time and time again, I have seen community members uplift each other in ways that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
Overcoming Momentum Blockers
Brain health challenges often create unique barriers to momentum. Depression can deplete energy and motivation. Anxiety might trap us in cycles of overthinking. Cognitive impairments can make organization difficult.
Yet Scripture reminds us that God’s strength works through our weaknesses. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul writes, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This promise in Corinthians invites us to depend on divine strength when our resources feel inadequate.
Practical approaches might include:
Creating simplified routines that require less decision-making
Using visual reminders and external cues
Celebrating even the smallest victories
Practicing self-compassion when progress slows
Seeking professional support alongside spiritual guidance
Practical Steps to Build Momentum
1. Start Small: The Power of Small Wins
Break tasks into tiny, achievable steps.
Celebrate even small victories—like getting out of bed or reading one Bible verse.
2. Keep Moving: Progress Over Perfection
Don’t wait for perfect conditions to start.
Even imperfect action is better than inaction.
3. Track Progress: Reflect on Growth
Journaling or using an app to track small wins helps maintain momentum.
Reflect on how God has brought you through past struggles.
4. Lean on Community: Don’t Go It Alone
Find Christian support groups, mentors, or friends who encourage you.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one… If either of them falls, one can help the other up.”
5. Trust God’s Timing: Stay in Faith
Progress isn’t always linear—trust God’s process.
Psalm 37:23 – “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him.”
Finding Purpose in the Process
For Christians, momentum isn’t just about achievement—it’s about purpose. Each step forward, however small, becomes meaningful when aligned with God’s will. Romans 8:28 assures us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This perspective transforms our understanding of progress.
Even when recovery or growth seems slow, we can trust that God is working through the process itself, developing our character and drawing us closer to Him.
The Power of Sustainable Progress
In a world that often values instant results, the gradual power of momentum offers a more sustainable path to well-being. For Christians navigating brain health challenges, this approach aligns with both neuroscience and Scripture—honoring both the mind God gave us and the wisdom He provides.
By embracing small beginnings, celebrating incremental progress, leaning on community, and finding purpose in the process, we participate in God’s redemptive work in our lives. As Zechariah 4:10 reminds us, we should not “despise the day of small beginnings,” for God rejoices to see the work begin.
In the journey toward brain health and spiritual wholeness, momentum matters. And it starts with just one step.
Struggling with Faith? Why Hard Times Cause Us to Doubt God and What to Do About It
If God is good, why do bad things happen? Why does suffering persist despite our prayers? Why does God sometimes feel distant when we need Him most?
Questions aren't signs of weak faith. They're the heartfelt cries of someone wrestling with the realities of life. For those facing brain health challenges like depression, anxiety, or trauma, these doubts can feel even heavier. When our circumstances are painful and confusing, it's natural to wonder if God is truly present and good.
While the members of Overflow care deeply about the community, we cannot respond to emergencies. Please find a qualified mental health professional if you need help with mental health challenges.
If this is an emergency, please get in touch with your local emergency services line.
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