207. The Science-Backed Method for Goal Setting (No, it's not SMART goals!) with Caroline Adams Miller
Jan 13, 2025
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Caroline Adams Miller, a global expert in positive psychology and goal-setting, joins to challenge traditional methods and unveil smart, evidence-based strategies for achieving big goals. Discover the difference between performance and learning goals, and learn how to cultivate a supportive community that empowers women. Explore innovative techniques that prioritize individual aspirations over outdated frameworks like SMART goals. Caroline also reflects on the importance of grit and resilience in overcoming personal and systemic challenges.
The podcast critiques traditional goal-setting methods like SMART goals, advocating instead for a scientifically-backed framework that distinguishes between performance and learning objectives.
Emphasizing the necessity of community support, the discussion highlights how accountability and encouragement from a network significantly enhance financial goal achievement for women.
It underlines the role of positive psychology in fostering resilience and grit, enabling individuals to view challenges as opportunities for personal growth and development.
Deep dives
The Influence of Male-Centric Podcasts
The notion of 'dude podcasts' emphasizes the prevalence of male-oriented discussions that largely exclude women's voices and experiences. This lack of representation can lead individuals to internalize unrelatable examples and role models, ultimately hindering their belief in achieving similar goals. The realization that most influential narratives are centered around male achievements serves as a wake-up call, urging listeners to broaden their sources of inspiration. By recognizing this trend, individuals can actively seek diverse perspectives that foster self-efficacy and empowerment.
Building Financial Literacy and Community
The importance of comprehensive financial education tailored for women is a central theme, highlighting resources such as personalized money plans and community support through platforms like the 100K Club. Members are empowered to confront their financial challenges with guidance on debt management, saving, and investing strategies, all within a supportive network. Accountability plays a crucial role in achieving financial goals, as having a community to cheer one on can significantly enhance motivation and commitment. This collective learning environment not only boosts individual confidence but also fosters long-lasting financial literacy.
Redefining Goal-Setting Frameworks
Traditional goal-setting methods, such as SMART goals, are scrutinized for lacking scientific backing and effectiveness. Instead, setting goals must be approached through a framework that considers both performance and learning objectives, ensuring they are challenging yet achievable. This differentiated method allows individuals to navigate complex goals with clarity, breaking them down into manageable steps that capitalize on their unique strengths. By employing evidence-based techniques, individuals can effectively track their progress and cultivate a growth mindset.
The Role of Positive Psychology in Grit
Positive psychology emerges as a key element in fostering personal resilience and grit, enabling individuals to thrive despite challenges. By focusing on well-being and flourishing, people can shift their mindset to view obstacles as opportunities for growth. Individuals like Caroline Adams Miller share their own journeys of overcoming adversity, such as battling eating disorders, showcasing how grit is cultivated through commitment to long-term, meaningful goals. This perspective empowers others to embrace their struggles as integral to their personal development and success.
Navigating Systemic Barriers to Women's Success
The systemic barriers women face in achieving their goals, especially in professional settings, are illuminated through discussions on patriarchy and social expectations. Women often encounter diminished support and recognition in goal pursuit, affecting their confidence and agency. Conversations around the negative impacts of internalized misogyny reveal the importance of building supportive networks that amplify women’s achievements. By focusing on collaborative effort, women can counter these obstacles, fostering environments that champion each other’s successes.
Forget everything you’ve been told about reaching for your dreams, because in today’s episode, we’re busting myths and revealing the evidence-based secrets to setting and achieving big goals—without relying on the decades-old (and often ineffective) SMART framework.
As we kick off a new year (and possibly a whole new you!), I'm excited to welcome Caroline Adams Miller, a globally recognized authority on positive psychology, grit, and the true science of goal-setting. We cover everything from mastering the difference between performance and learning goals to building a supportive community that actually cheers you on. If you’re done playing small and ready to step into your power, this conversation has your name all over it.