Why Small Success Stories Matter

By Shannon Carter

People love stories.

They’re engaging, informative, and entertaining—and the best ones are those we can relate to. (I mean, just look at the success of Gavin and Stacey.)

When it comes to disability, stories can be especially powerful. They inspire us. They show that no matter what disability we may have, success is possible.

But often, the stories we hear most are the big ones—the dramatic triumphs over seemingly impossible odds.

Take Greta Thunberg, for example: an autistic teenager who led a global climate strike. Or Chris Packham, the wildlife presenter and activist who also has autism. Comedian Rosie Jones is breaking barriers with cerebral palsy. And there’s Bill Gates, Michael Phelps, Ryan Gosling, and Emma Watson—all with ADHD—who’ve become household names.

These are amazing stories and offer some brilliant role models. But in my opinion, they’re not always the most inspiring.

Why? Because they can distort our understanding of what success really looks like.

They suggest that to be successful, you need to be famous, win medals, launch empires, or change the world on a massive scale. But that’s not how success works.

True success is personal. It comes from setting a goal—no matter how big or small—and achieving it.

Let me tell you about some of the people who inspire me.

A teacher friend of mine with AuDHD (Autism and ADHD) wanted to raise awareness about the importance of bees. So, he decided to break the Guinness World Record for the most people dressed as bees in one place.

He organised a “Bee Day” at his school, rallying students, parents, teachers, and the wider community to gather on the school field in full bee costume. The headteacher even dressed as a beekeeper! Despite doubts and scepticism, he smashed the record.

My mum, who has ADHD, trained as a florist when I was younger. She started out as a self-employed wedding florist—and 17 years later, she runs a thriving venue decor business. From wedding arches and funeral arrangements to baby showers and Halloween displays, she does it all. She’s even been featured in local wedding magazines!

Then there’s my friend from university, who is autistic. She just completed a master’s degree in sustainability, which included a placement at the Eden Project and a research trip to Ecuador. While studying, she also worked at a nursery, where she teaches children about sustainability. Her efforts won her an award for best sustainability practice across a national nursery chain.

These stories might not make national headlines—but to me, they are every bit as powerful and inspiring.

If you want to be uplifted by stories of disabled people doing incredible things, you don’t have to scroll endlessly through social media or wait for a news segment. Just look around you.

The everyday successes are the ones that truly show us what’s possible.

These are the people who inspire me most.