Behavioral scientists Brad, Steve, and Katy Milkman discuss goal-setting in the new year. They cover open vs. specific goals, big vs. small goals, the what the hell effect, mindset shifts, and metaphors for goal setting. They also explore the impact of confidence, unrealistic expectations, and the benefits of setting ambitious goals with a little bit of slack. A mini masterclass on goal setting is included.
Setting open and specific goals depends on the situation, with specific goals being more effective in high-pressure situations and open-ended goals better suited for experiences and being in the flow.
The what the hell effect, which leads to giving up on goals after small failures, can be overcome by adjusting expectations, allowing for flexibility, and building in small reserves or slack into ambitious goals.
Deep dives
Different perspectives on goal setting
In this episode, the podcast explores different perspectives on goal setting. The hosts emphasize that there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to setting goals. They explain that setting open and specific goals depends on the situation. For high-pressure situations, it is more effective to have specific goals that keep you focused. On the other hand, open-ended goals are better suited for experiences and being in the flow. They also discuss the importance of considering whether to set big or small goals. While some people thrive on big goals, others may find them demotivating. Combining big goals with smaller checkpoints along the way can provide a sense of progress. Overall, the episode highlights the need to approach goal setting on a case-by-case basis.
The what the hell effect
Behavioral scientist Katie Milkman discusses the phenomenon known as the what the hell effect. This effect occurs when people give up on their goals after a small failure or deviation from their intended path. It often leads to a cascade of unhealthy behaviors and can hinder progress. However, Milkman suggests a solution: adjusting expectations and allowing for flexibility. By building in small reserves or slack into ambitious goals, individuals can mitigate the negative impact of setbacks. This approach combines the benefits of setting stretch goals while also providing room for recovery and staying on track.
Knowing when to abandon goals
The episode also addresses the question of when it is appropriate to abandon goals. The hosts discuss the importance of self-awareness and evaluating whether the pursuit of a goal aligns with personal values and brings fulfillment. They emphasize that if a goal consistently makes you miserable or feels like an anchor rather than a motivator, it may be time to reassess and let go. They encourage listeners to recognize when circumstances change and be willing to adjust their goals accordingly. The goal-setting process requires flexibility and understanding that goals are not set in stone.
For the first episode of The Coach Up, we've got three different experts—Brad, Steve, and Katy Milkman, a behavioral scientist at Wharton—offering three different perspectives on how to think through goal-setting in the new year. You'll learn the difference between an open goal and a specific goal, when to pick a small goal versus when to pick a big goal, why something called "the what the hell effect" can derail your goals, and the subtle but powerful mindset shift that will help you stay on track when you get discouraged. Plus: why both video games and mountains are useful metaphors when thinking through goals.