CELEBRATE THE PROCESS
Celebrate the Process: The Power of Small Steps
In a world where we’re often wired to chase the next big thing—the next goal, the next win—it’s easy to overlook something vital: the joy and growth found in the process itself. In today’s fast-paced culture of instant results, whether it’s with iPhones, fast food, or AI generation, we’re tempted to bypass the necessary steps that lead to true, meaningful outcomes.
As a pastor and creative leader, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about reaching the destination—it’s about embracing the journey. Just like in music, the best songs take you on a journey filled with dynamics, tension, and resolution. Sure, we all love a catchy 3-minute song with an instant chorus hook, but the songs that leave a lasting impact in many cases are the ones that invite you into the dynamics and to experience the highs and lows along the way. In life and ministry, there’s a rhythm—a process—not to merely endure, but to celebrate.
Celebrate First, Evaluate Second
One key principle I teach my teams is this: celebrate what went well before diving into what needs improvement. We use the acronym MIB—Make It Better—but that always comes after acknowledging the wins. Celebrating first cultivates gratitude and helps us pause to appreciate progress, no matter how small.
Scripture teaches this too:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2-4).
By celebrating, we affirm our trust in God’s process. We may not see the full picture, but each small win is a step forward on the journey He’s leading us on.
Small Steps: A Father’s Perspective
Take my 10-year-old daughter, Hannah. Recently, she decided to start memorizing Scripture for a school speech competition. Each week, she shared a new verse with our family as part of our devotions. We celebrated each verse—those small, consistent wins. Over time, her confidence grew, and eventually, I invited her to recite Scripture during a worship night at our church. She stood in front of a room full of worshippers, confidently declaring God’s Word.
But the real milestone wasn’t that single moment; it was the series of small steps that led up to it. By celebrating her progress along the way, she gained the confidence needed for that big moment—one she’ll never forget.
The same thing happened with my younger daughter, Bella, when she started walking. Her first steps were wobbly, but we celebrated them as if she’d run a marathon. With each step, her confidence grew. Eventually, she walked across the room, and I was there to catch her and celebrate her progress. I believe that’s how God is with us—celebrating each small, wobbly step we take, knowing that one day, we’ll run.
What Does Celebrating Small Steps Look Like?
Zechariah 4:10 (NLT) says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” What if you embraced the small steps you’ve been avoiding? I believe it would renew your energy, refresh your vision, and remind you of the beauty of the journey God has you on.
Here are some practical examples of how small steps make a big difference across different areas of life:
1. Building Healthy Habits
Small daily actions, like committing to just 10 minutes of exercise a day, lead to long-term health improvements. What seems insignificant in the moment builds consistency, which leads to transformation.
Example: A person starts by walking around the block each day. After a few weeks, they’re jogging, then running, eventually training for a marathon. The transformation isn’t from a giant leap but from small, steady steps toward better health.
2. Learning a New Skill
Progress is made in small, consistent increments. Whether learning an instrument or mastering a new skill, dedicating even just a few minutes a day leads to mastery over time.
Example: A beginner guitarist struggles with basic chords, but by practicing just 15 minutes a day, their skill grows until they can play full songs. Consistency compounds into expertise.
3. Relationships
Small acts of kindness and connection strengthen relationships. A text to check in, sharing a meal, or simply spending time together builds the foundation for deep, lasting bonds.
Example: A married couple regularly checks in with each other, shares small moments of connection, and practices forgiveness. These small steps nurture a strong, thriving relationship.
4. Career Advancement
Success often comes not from one big break, but from small, consistent efforts—whether it’s learning a new skill, networking, or going the extra mile on a project.
Example: A young professional commits to reading one chapter from a leadership book each week. Over time, they’ve read several books that drastically improve their skills, showing that small, daily commitments to growth can lead to significant progress.
5. Financial Growth
Small, consistent contributions to savings or investments create long-term financial growth. The principle of “compound interest” illustrates how small amounts can multiply into significant wealth over time.
Example: Someone saves $50 a month starting in their 20s and invests it wisely. By retirement, that small contribution has grown into substantial financial security. Small steps today lead to financial freedom tomorrow.
6. Overcoming Addictions or Bad Habits
Small victories are key to overcoming challenges. Celebrating one day of success builds momentum for long-term victory.
Example: A person trying to quit smoking celebrates each smoke-free day. Eventually, those daily wins add up to a lifetime of freedom from addiction.
7. Faith and Spiritual Growth
Growth in faith comes through small, daily acts like prayer, reading Scripture, and serving others. These moments of connection with God shape spiritual maturity over time.
Example: Someone starts with a 5-minute devotion each morning. Over the years, those small moments deepen their relationship with God, shaping them into a spiritually mature disciple.
Success Is the Journey, Not Just the Goal
Success isn’t just about crossing the finish line. Yes, we want to see lives changed and big victories, but the real reward is found in the small steps of faith and the everyday moments that lead us there. As Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” We’re called to rejoice in the process, not just the result.
It’s during the process that character is built, perseverance is tested, and faith is strengthened. Each step, whether a win or a challenge, is part of God’s design to bring us closer to Him and His purpose for us.
Embrace the Season You’re In
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that “for everything there is a season.” Whether you’re in a season of growth, rest, or challenge, embrace it. Be present. Don’t rush to the next phase. Every season has its lessons, and every step in the process matters.
Celebrating the moment anchors us in thankfulness and reminds us to stay content in the now, while still pressing forward toward what’s ahead.
Why Celebrating Matters: The Science Behind It
Did you know that celebrating even small wins activates your brain’s reward system? Recognizing progress releases dopamine, reinforcing positive behavior and keeping you motivated. It creates a feedback loop—celebration leads to motivation, which leads to more celebration. Without this, stress increases, and burnout becomes more likely. Celebrating small steps doesn’t just feel good—it’s essential for sustainability.
Press On Toward the Goal
As Paul says in Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” The goal is important, but the process is where the real work happens. It’s time to press forward, enjoy the small steps, celebrate the wins, and trust that God is working in every moment. Embrace the journey—because that’s where the true beauty is discovered.
Celebrate the process.
In a world where we’re often wired to chase the next big thing—the next goal, the next win—it’s easy to overlook something vital: the joy and growth found in the process itself. In today’s fast-paced culture of instant results, whether it’s with iPhones, fast food, or AI generation, we’re tempted to bypass the necessary steps that lead to true, meaningful outcomes.
As a pastor and creative leader, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about reaching the destination—it’s about embracing the journey. Just like in music, the best songs take you on a journey filled with dynamics, tension, and resolution. Sure, we all love a catchy 3-minute song with an instant chorus hook, but the songs that leave a lasting impact in many cases are the ones that invite you into the dynamics and to experience the highs and lows along the way. In life and ministry, there’s a rhythm—a process—not to merely endure, but to celebrate.
Celebrate First, Evaluate Second
One key principle I teach my teams is this: celebrate what went well before diving into what needs improvement. We use the acronym MIB—Make It Better—but that always comes after acknowledging the wins. Celebrating first cultivates gratitude and helps us pause to appreciate progress, no matter how small.
Scripture teaches this too:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2-4).
By celebrating, we affirm our trust in God’s process. We may not see the full picture, but each small win is a step forward on the journey He’s leading us on.
Small Steps: A Father’s Perspective
Take my 10-year-old daughter, Hannah. Recently, she decided to start memorizing Scripture for a school speech competition. Each week, she shared a new verse with our family as part of our devotions. We celebrated each verse—those small, consistent wins. Over time, her confidence grew, and eventually, I invited her to recite Scripture during a worship night at our church. She stood in front of a room full of worshippers, confidently declaring God’s Word.
But the real milestone wasn’t that single moment; it was the series of small steps that led up to it. By celebrating her progress along the way, she gained the confidence needed for that big moment—one she’ll never forget.
The same thing happened with my younger daughter, Bella, when she started walking. Her first steps were wobbly, but we celebrated them as if she’d run a marathon. With each step, her confidence grew. Eventually, she walked across the room, and I was there to catch her and celebrate her progress. I believe that’s how God is with us—celebrating each small, wobbly step we take, knowing that one day, we’ll run.
What Does Celebrating Small Steps Look Like?
Zechariah 4:10 (NLT) says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” What if you embraced the small steps you’ve been avoiding? I believe it would renew your energy, refresh your vision, and remind you of the beauty of the journey God has you on.
Here are some practical examples of how small steps make a big difference across different areas of life:
1. Building Healthy Habits
Small daily actions, like committing to just 10 minutes of exercise a day, lead to long-term health improvements. What seems insignificant in the moment builds consistency, which leads to transformation.
Example: A person starts by walking around the block each day. After a few weeks, they’re jogging, then running, eventually training for a marathon. The transformation isn’t from a giant leap but from small, steady steps toward better health.
2. Learning a New Skill
Progress is made in small, consistent increments. Whether learning an instrument or mastering a new skill, dedicating even just a few minutes a day leads to mastery over time.
Example: A beginner guitarist struggles with basic chords, but by practicing just 15 minutes a day, their skill grows until they can play full songs. Consistency compounds into expertise.
3. Relationships
Small acts of kindness and connection strengthen relationships. A text to check in, sharing a meal, or simply spending time together builds the foundation for deep, lasting bonds.
Example: A married couple regularly checks in with each other, shares small moments of connection, and practices forgiveness. These small steps nurture a strong, thriving relationship.
4. Career Advancement
Success often comes not from one big break, but from small, consistent efforts—whether it’s learning a new skill, networking, or going the extra mile on a project.
Example: A young professional commits to reading one chapter from a leadership book each week. Over time, they’ve read several books that drastically improve their skills, showing that small, daily commitments to growth can lead to significant progress.
5. Financial Growth
Small, consistent contributions to savings or investments create long-term financial growth. The principle of “compound interest” illustrates how small amounts can multiply into significant wealth over time.
Example: Someone saves $50 a month starting in their 20s and invests it wisely. By retirement, that small contribution has grown into substantial financial security. Small steps today lead to financial freedom tomorrow.
6. Overcoming Addictions or Bad Habits
Small victories are key to overcoming challenges. Celebrating one day of success builds momentum for long-term victory.
Example: A person trying to quit smoking celebrates each smoke-free day. Eventually, those daily wins add up to a lifetime of freedom from addiction.
7. Faith and Spiritual Growth
Growth in faith comes through small, daily acts like prayer, reading Scripture, and serving others. These moments of connection with God shape spiritual maturity over time.
Example: Someone starts with a 5-minute devotion each morning. Over the years, those small moments deepen their relationship with God, shaping them into a spiritually mature disciple.
Success Is the Journey, Not Just the Goal
Success isn’t just about crossing the finish line. Yes, we want to see lives changed and big victories, but the real reward is found in the small steps of faith and the everyday moments that lead us there. As Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” We’re called to rejoice in the process, not just the result.
It’s during the process that character is built, perseverance is tested, and faith is strengthened. Each step, whether a win or a challenge, is part of God’s design to bring us closer to Him and His purpose for us.
Embrace the Season You’re In
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that “for everything there is a season.” Whether you’re in a season of growth, rest, or challenge, embrace it. Be present. Don’t rush to the next phase. Every season has its lessons, and every step in the process matters.
Celebrating the moment anchors us in thankfulness and reminds us to stay content in the now, while still pressing forward toward what’s ahead.
Why Celebrating Matters: The Science Behind It
Did you know that celebrating even small wins activates your brain’s reward system? Recognizing progress releases dopamine, reinforcing positive behavior and keeping you motivated. It creates a feedback loop—celebration leads to motivation, which leads to more celebration. Without this, stress increases, and burnout becomes more likely. Celebrating small steps doesn’t just feel good—it’s essential for sustainability.
Press On Toward the Goal
As Paul says in Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” The goal is important, but the process is where the real work happens. It’s time to press forward, enjoy the small steps, celebrate the wins, and trust that God is working in every moment. Embrace the journey—because that’s where the true beauty is discovered.
Celebrate the process.