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FAREWELL

002 - The Coach Up: How to Set Better Goals

Jan 8, 2024
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.
19:31

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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