AUSTIN, Texas — As the new year unfolds, many individuals are setting personal resolutions, yet adhering to these commitments often proves challenging. Leadership expert and author Daron K. Roberts emphasizes that sustainable progress comes from focusing on “micro-wins” rather than overwhelming goals. In a recent discussion with journalist Sierra Waggoner, Roberts shared insights from his book, illustrating how small, intentional victories can generate significant momentum over time.
Understanding Micro-Wins
Roberts’ journey toward developing the micro-win system stems from a lifetime of discipline and high performance. A fifth-generation resident of East Texas, he was born in Mount Pleasant and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas. He later attended Harvard Law School before coaching in the National Football League (NFL). After returning to Austin in 2014, he recognized a pressing need for a practical system to maintain momentum in his personal and professional life.
“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.”
Roberts identifies January 9, commonly referred to as National Quitters Day, as a stark reminder of the high failure rate of new year resolutions. He notes that nearly 92 percent of resolutions are abandoned or forgotten within weeks, highlighting a trend where individuals start off strong only to lose steam shortly after.
Strategies for Success
Roberts attributes this phenomenon to taking on too much too soon. “You take on more than you can handle,” he said. “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.”
He argues that while daily actions may seem trivial in isolation, they accumulate into significant achievements. His approach transforms progress into a daily habit rather than a high-pressure outcome. The micro-win system categorizes goals into three main areas: work, family, and health. At the beginning of each year, individuals set a macro goal for each category, then identify one small action to focus on daily.
For example, he suggests that for family, a micro-win could be playing a game of chess with his son, while for work, writing just one page could suffice. In terms of health, drinking one green smoothie may be the daily target. “It seems inconsequential day to day,” he remarked. “But then you look back and realize you’ve built real momentum — and that’s what keeps you going.”
Roberts encourages individuals to abandon the pursuit of perfection and instead, concentrate on accumulating small wins. This mindset fosters a sustainable path to achieving larger goals over time. His philosophy resonates deeply, particularly as many seek effective and manageable strategies for personal growth in the new year.
As he continues to share his insights, Roberts remains committed to helping others harness the power of micro-wins in their own lives, promoting a culture of gradual, meaningful progress.
