When Small Steps Shape a Greater Story

Efficiency starts the journey. Purpose gives it direction. Grit carries it forward.

A new year often makes us believe everything resets at once. We make lists, set resolutions, and hope that change comes with the calendar. But real change does not come from the date. It comes from how we choose to use our time.

The end of 2025 showed that being busy is not the same as making progress. It is easy to measure success by how many boxes we check, yet growth is not only found in achievement. Growth happens when new opportunities show up, when relationships open doors, and when we discover goals we did not even know we wanted. Progress changes us along the way, and that change often matters more than the goal itself.

This is why efficiency matters. Efficiency is about choosing purpose over distraction. It is about doing what matters instead of doing more. When a list feels overwhelming, the hardest part is starting. Action always moves us farther than overthinking.

In this episode, I’m kicking off 2026 with a reset, a reflection, and a reminder that goals don’t work without systems. After taking a much-needed break at the end of 2025, I’m sharing why efficiency is my word for the year, how I’m approaching goals differently, and why small daily actions matter more than big resolutions. I also share how a Super Bowl trip became a panel opportunity, and what that taught me about collaboration and faith. If you’re setting goals for the new year, this episode offers simple mindset shifts to help you get started.

“Potential is a lot of stored-up energy and possibilities. Purpose is when you start to execute and make the impact you want on others and on the world.” - Dr. Derrick Burgess

Topics Covered:

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:00:42) Rest and mental reset

(00:02:50) Refilling your cup when life keeps moving

(00:03:29) Why “efficiency” matters

(00:04:52) Systems over goals

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(00:08:03) Seeing the Super Bowl in a new way

(00:10:28) Personal brand creates new opportunities

(00:12:47) Using skills to help others in new spaces

(00:13:29) Seeing opportunities as blessings

(00:15:39) Growth brings challenges

(00:16:01) Giving yourself grace while learning

(00:16:35) Success comes from sticking through hard times

Key Takeaways:  

“When you surround yourself with good people, and when you do the best that you can do and become the expert in your field, opportunities will open up.”

“You have to take a step back to fill your cup especially when you're feeding others at all times, you have to make sure that you are being fed as well.”

“We're all given 24 hours of a day, but it's amazing what some people can accomplish versus what others will accomplish with that same amount of time.”

“If you don't get started, then you just look at that list and it continues to get bigger and bigger and even more overwhelming.”

“If you don't change, then your outcomes probably won't change.”

“The small things, the actions, the day to day actions, will lead to the big victories.”

“Most organizations are looking for grit because we know now that it's not just about talent and abilities. It's about who's gonna stick it out through these tough times, who's gonna be able to overcome adversity to achieve success.”

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243

Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com

Other Links: https://forms.gle/816Ue5Zs7TtzvoiE8

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.