Let’s have some real talk, shall we?
If you're an everyday entrepreneur grinding it out day after day, building your dream one click, one post, and one coffee-fueled brainstorm at a time, you’ve probably fallen into this trap:
Thinking you’re only allowed to celebrate once you hit a huge milestone.
You know, the big flashy ones … your first 10K month, the six-figure badge of honor, or getting featured in some fancy “Top 30 Entrepreneurs Over 30” list… (even though we’re way past 30 and twice as awesome).
Here’s the problem: that's a one-way ticket to burnout town, population, you.
The Daily Grind Is Real (and It’s Not Always Pretty)
Nobody tells you when you start affiliate marketing that most of your success will be found deep in the trenches of the daily grind, where you're questioning your life choices while wrangling Canva templates, trying to sound human in emails and on Pinterest, and wondering if your mom unsubscribed from your list. (Thanks for the support, Mom.)
It’s messy. It’s gritty. And honestly?
It’s where the magic actually happens.
But only if you celebrate the small wins along the way.
Why You’re Ignoring Your Own Progress
Somewhere along the line, we got it twisted. We started believing that success was only about the “big stuff.”
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Signing a high-ticket client.
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Blowing up on social media.
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Rolling around on a pile of passive income like a discount Scrooge McDuck.
Reality check: those big wins are built on about 10,000 small ones.
And if you don’t start seeing them, appreciating them, and yes, celebrating them, you’ll start thinking you’re failing when you’re actually crushing it.
(And frankly, we don’t have time for that pity party. We’ve got empires to build.)
What Counts as a Small Win? Glad You Asked.
Let’s make this super clear:
If you…
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Sent out an email today (even if it was just your mom who read it)? 🎉
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Showed up online even though you felt like a potato? 🎉
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Learned how to schedule a post without breaking your laptop? 🎉
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Earned your first tiny commission? 🎉
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Finished creating your lead magnet after 47 cups of coffee and a small existential crisis? 🎉
YOU DESERVE TO CELEBRATE.
Pop that metaphorical champagne, friend. Light the victory candle. Do the awkward dance that embarrasses your teenagers. Whatever works for you.
Why Celebrating Small Wins Actually Matters
This isn’t about just feeling good (although, hey, that’s reason enough).
It’s strategic.
When you celebrate the small wins, you’re literally rewiring your brain to recognize progress.
And in the daily grind of affiliate marketing and entrepreneurship, momentum is everything.
You want to stay motivated through the dry spells, the tech glitches, the ghosted DMs?
You better believe celebrating the tiny victories is your secret weapon.
Think of it like this:
Would you run a marathon and only celebrate at the finish line?
HECK NO.
You’d high-five strangers at mile 5, ugly cry at mile 13, and probably propose marriage to the person handing you Gatorade at mile 20.
Same thing here, champ.
The Everyday Entrepreneur’s New Rule:
Celebrate the heck out of everything.
The small, the awkward, the “no one but me noticed” stuff.
Because that’s where real success is born.
Oh, and speaking of small wins … guess who got her first affiliate check today from recommending a protein bar she actually loves? 🙋♀️ Yep, this girl. Real food, real results, and real cash flow. Trust me, when your daily grind includes fueling your body and boosting your bank account, that's a double win worth celebrating.
In Conclusion (and a Little Tough Love)
If you're grinding away, wondering if it’s even worth it …
IT IS.
You’re planting seeds.
You’re building something real while most people are still binge-watching their life away.
Celebrate the small wins.
Cheer yourself on.
Because trust me, no one else will show up with the balloons until you've already earned them.
And if you want to keep stacking those wins like the everyday entrepreneur rockstar you are, start today:
👉 Drop your latest small win in the comments! Let’s celebrate it loud and proud.
"Very well put. I've been with a health and nutrition company for over 26 years and I understand exactly what you are going through. I shiver to think what my health might be today at age 68 had I not stuck to my guns as far as practicing what I preach. Yes, I fall off the wagon regularly but my daily routine life reflects taking care of my health. That way I can keep up (somewhat) with my 7 grandchildren. You keep it up, Carla". 
"For most people the thought of venturing out there in pursuit of your dreams, in a place outside of your comfort zones is just what stops them. But I could sense your excitement not resentment in going against the competition. In planting your stake and truly making a difference in the clients experience. That's ultimately what matters, the rest just falls so easily into place. Thanks for that reminder"! 
Carla, I’ve got to say that I LOVE your focus on the joys and challenges facing women over 50. I’m definitely in that camp! I’ve been inspired by your candor, practical ideas, and refreshing determination to joyfully tackle life. The hours we’ve spent on the phone, in person, and through social media have enriched my life immeasurably. YOU are one Fiery Grandma, and I love your style! 
I have known Carla Gardiner for 6+ years. We met at a business training for bring business online. She is a business women at heart and willing to do the hard things to make the results show up. I have watched her run a business, work a job and take care of her family. She is a go getter when it comes to putting in the work to build her business to the level of being able to enjoy her grand kids.
She is the example that age is not a limit it is a tool for sharing knowledge to those she empowers to use their own skills and talents. Excuses are fuel to push her to learn and apply. I have seen her scared to death about implementing new technology and rock it out despite the learning curve.
I love watching you grow into your greatness Carla! Don’t slow down. 
"Carla, you are a model for me to follow. I love your site. And, I like what you have to say - very kind, very gracious. I have to say though that nothing in my life has ever been crystal clear". 
"I've known Carla for 5+ years and can tell you that she has lived every bit of this and more. We shared tears and laughs and hard work....you will enjoy getting to know Carla."