Local Extension Educator Urges Celebrating Small Wins to Boost Motivation

Kate Shumaker, the OSU Extension family and consumer sciences educator for Holmes County, published a column on December 13, 2025 that urged readers to break larger objectives into smaller stages and celebrate incremental progress. She explained the psychological benefit underlying the approach, noting that small successes trigger dopamine release and reinforce positive behavior, which in turn can boost motivation and reduce the risk of burnout among workers, caregivers, students, and volunteers.

The column recommended concrete tactics that are simple to adopt locally. Shumaker advised being specific about goals, selecting both modest and larger rewards, and enlisting accountability partners to sustain momentum. She suggested a menu of small rewards such as a new book, personal downtime, or a favorite treat, and recommended pre selecting larger rewards for major milestones to maintain focus over time. As she wrote, “Recognizing even the little things (small wins) … boosts motivation and can improve overall satisfaction.”

For Holmes County, the advice carries practical implications as residents confront the holiday season, year end tasks, and planning for 2026. Small wins strategies can help employees maintain productivity without sacrificing mental health, support small business owners who face seasonal pressure, and assist families navigating school and home responsibilities. Community organizations and local employers that encourage staged goals and visible recognition may see improved engagement and reduced turnover over time.

Shumaker framed the approach as a long term resilience tool rather than a quick fix, urging readers to prioritize progress over perfection as the new year approaches. The column concluded with a seasonal reminder to aim for steady movement toward larger aims, and included contact information and links to Holmes County OSU Extension resources for residents who want more guidance. Local readers seeking to apply these steps can start by identifying one specific short term goal, choosing a small reward, and naming one person to check in on progress.