When you hear the word “breakthrough,” what comes to mind? Most people probably imagine a lightbulb moment, a groundbreaking idea or monumental change that alters the course of history. But the truth is, breakthroughs aren’t always seismic. More often than not, they’re small shifts that create a ripple effect, and drive results over time.

Having a preconceived notion of what a “breakthrough” is, can undermine the small shifts that change everything, because small shifts don’t seem big enough. In fact, having the expectation that you should wait for a single stroke of genius can actually have an adverse effect and cause the mind to block out or become closed off to ideas altogether. Here are some examples of how waiting for a breakthrough can block creativity or limit progress:

By expecting genius to strike in one fell swoop, you might miss the small shifts and consistent effort that often lead to big changes. But, if we can reframe the way we think about breakthroughs, and realize they don’t have to be grandiose, it can help us notice more opportunities in everyday life and make progress faster. It’s not about waiting for an earth-shattering stroke of genius; it’s about spotting the small tweaks that can change everything.

Small Breakthroughs, Big Results

Take Thomas Edison, for example. The invention of the light bulb is often considered one of the most revolutionary breakthroughs of all time. But what people don’t really think about is that it wasn’t just one “aha” moment that created the lightbulb. Edison himself famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” His team made thousands of tiny adjustments like refining filaments, testing materials, logging what worked and what didn’t, and tweaking designs… until they got it right.

Their secret to success was persistence; an unrelenting persistence to keep trying until they figured it out. Each small step forward wasn’t necessarily a breakthrough, and each setback wasn’t a failure, it was all part of the process that eventually lit up the world.

In day-to-day business, the same principle applies. More often it’s not about overhauling your entire strategy or developing a completely new product. It’s about identifying one small tweak that can make all the difference. It can be something as simple as:

• • Adjusting your email subject lines to improve open rates.
  • Changing the color of a call-to-action button to increase clicks.
  • Swapping the layout of a website to make navigation easier.

Each of these shifts might seem insignificant on their own, but together, they can create a surprising transformation, especially when their effectiveness is combined. And the best part? These small, deliberate changes are often far less daunting than complete overhauls.

Real-World Examples

Here are a few examples of small innovations that delivered huge impact:

Why Small Changes Matter

The beauty of small breakthroughs lies in their accessibility. They don’t require massive budgets, long timelines, or radical reinvention. Instead, they leverage existing resources in new, creative ways. These shifts can reduce friction in your processes, create better customer experiences, or optimize areas where your business is underperforming.

The key is identifying where those opportunities lie. What’s one part of your business that feels inefficient or outdated? Where are your customers expressing frustration, or where are they happiest? Sometimes, the answer is hidden in plain sight and small changes to processes you’re already doing can yield results you never expected.

Your Breakthrough Awaits

So, how do you uncover your next big opportunity? Start small. Focus on areas where tiny changes could create a ripple effect. Think about where your business or personal life feels stuck, and ask yourself:

• • What’s one thing I could try differently?
  • Where am I overcomplicating things?
  • What’s a single, small step I can take today to make a difference?

If you’re feeling stuck, we can help. At Insomnia Graphix, we specialize in helping our clients identify and implement simple yet impactful strategies that spark meaningful progress and bring you closer to where you want to be. Whether it’s fine-tuning a process, rethinking your approach, or tackling a lingering challenge, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and purpose.

The secret to real progress isn’t about overhauling everything, it’s about making thoughtful, strategic shifts that align with your goals.

Ready to take that first step? Let’s uncover your next breakthrough together.