By Bridget Roorda
We often hear about the “big goals” like getting to 225 wpm, passing the RPR or CSR, or finding your dream job. But what if the real key to success lies in the small wins that happen along the way?
Becoming a court reporter takes patience, practice, and perseverance. From learning theory to mastering speed and accuracy, every step in your journey matters. Success in court reporting isn’t built overnight; it’s built through small wins.
The power of small wins
In court reporting, progress can feel slow at times. You might increase your speed by just five words per minute or finally master that tricky brief that you have been working on. Those small steps are the foundation of long-term mastery.
Every new outline you learn, every clean(ish) take you write, and every successful speed test are the victories, and celebrating them keeps motivation strong.
“Success isn’t built in a day; it’s built day by day.” If anyone can attest to that piece of advice, it is court reporting students. We know this truth better than anyone. Success is cumulative. Every hour of practice, every new brief you learn, every small speed increase, they all add up to make you faster and more accurate.
More importantly, we need to remember to celebrate those small wins:
- Are you in theory class and finally got through a dictation without freezing up? Celebrate it!
- Are you in speedbuilding and just passed a test you’ve been stuck on? Celebrate it!
- Did you struggle to stick to your daily practice schedule but made the time to get your hours in this week? Celebrate it!
Little wins, big motivation — The ASC Way!
Alfred State College students know that every little victory counts, and they’ve found creative ways to celebrate their achievements along the way.
“When I finally pass a speed that’s taken me a while to get, I’ll do a quick little victory dance in the moment because it feels good to acknowledge the work I put in! After finishing a tough assignment, I like to go out to eat with my family and then take a walk by the pier to unwind. It’s a simple way for me to relax, clear my head and remind myself that progress doesn’t have to be huge to be worth celebrating.” – Naomi M.
“After finishing a UE or a class, I get sushi with my partner which is my favorite! It’s usually the casual neighborhood spot sushi, but maybe once a semester, we splurge on the nicer sushi.” – Sara
“If I feel like I’ve had a successful week of practice, I like to take a morning to go birding with my local bird club. Instead of waking up early to practice, I’ll go out birding and have some time to focus on something else that I love.” – Monica A., Theory III
“A small win is 30 minutes of guilt-free reading. I do this for something like improved scores on speed tests week over week — still not a passing score but improvement in a failing one or having a good day with a word or phrase that usually gives me trouble.” – Krisi W., Speed Building III
So I challenge you to take a moment to pause, reflect, and enjoy your progress. Then ask yourself: What will I do to celebrate my next win? Whether it’s sharing your success with a friend or family member, treating yourself to a small reward, or even doing your own version of a happy dance, every celebration brings you one step closer to your goals.
Bridget Roorda, of Fairport, N.Y., is a student at Alfred State College and the winner of the 2025 Stenograph Milton H. Wright Memorial Scholarship from the National Court Reporters Foundation (NCRF).
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