AUSTIN, Texas — As the new year unfolds, many individuals are grappling with the challenge of maintaining their resolutions. Daron K. Roberts, an author and leadership expert, emphasizes the importance of achieving small, intentional victories, or micro-wins, to foster lasting progress. In a recent conversation with Sierra Waggoner, Roberts shared insights from his book, illustrating how these incremental successes can create significant momentum over time.
Understanding the Micro-Win System
Roberts, a fifth-generation East Texan, grew up in Mount Pleasant and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas before attending Harvard Law School. His diverse career includes coaching in the NFL, where he honed a disciplined, structured approach to success. Upon returning to Austin in 2014, he recognized a gap in his life after leaving coaching and sought to establish a system that would help him regain momentum.
“When I left coaching, I was searching for a system,” Roberts explained. “In the NFL, you always know where you need to be and what you need to be doing every day. I needed something that would help me build momentum, and that’s when I created the micro-win system.” This framework encourages individuals to focus on manageable actions that can lead to larger accomplishments.
The Pitfalls of Traditional Resolutions
Roberts points to January 9 — often referred to as National Quitters Day — as a stark reminder of why many resolutions fail. Statistics indicate that nearly 92 percent of resolutions are abandoned or forgotten within weeks. Individuals often begin the year with enthusiasm but quickly become overwhelmed. “You take on more than you can handle,” he noted. “Micro-wins say, if your big goal is to be healthier, start small. Do ten push-ups. Do five. Work out for ten minutes. Over time, those wins stack, momentum builds, and suddenly you look up at the end of the year and realize you actually reached your goal.”
Roberts emphasizes that the daily actions may seem trivial, but their cumulative effect leads to substantial progress. “It seems inconsequential day to day,” he said. “But then you look back and realize you’ve built real momentum — and that’s what keeps you going.”
Categories of Micro-Wins
In his book, Roberts categorizes micro-wins into three main areas: work, family, and health. At the start of each year, individuals set a macro goal for each category, allowing them to visualize their larger aspirations. From there, Roberts advocates focusing on one small action daily within each category.
“For family, it might be playing a game of chess with my son,” he shared. “For work, writing one page. For health, drinking one green smoothie.” While these actions may seem modest individually, Roberts insists that it is the consistent application of these micro-wins that empowers people to achieve their broader objectives.
Roberts also carries the title of Chief Dive Instructor, underscoring his commitment to continuous learning and growth. He encourages individuals to abandon the pursuit of perfection and instead focus on accumulating small victories in their everyday lives. “Stack your small wins!” he advises.
As the new year progresses, Roberts’ approach to goal-setting offers a refreshing perspective on personal development. By concentrating on micro-wins, individuals can create a sustainable path to success that fosters ongoing motivation and achievement.
