What if everything you've been taught about goal setting is actually working against you?
What if the rigid structure of SMART goals is crushing your creativity, disconnecting you from your body, and forcing you into a binary that simply doesn't fit who you are?
Today's guest, Zephyr (Zeph) Williams (they/them), is an anti-hustle business strategist who helps radical entrepreneurs build "breathe-easy businesses." When Zeph and I connected over our mutual loathing of SMART goals on social media, I knew we had to have this conversation.
In this episode, we're diving deep into why traditional goal-setting methods fail so many of us—especially neurodivergent folks and anyone who doesn't fit the conventional mold. Zeph introduces their revolutionary SLIC method (Sustainable, Long-term, Iterative, Consistent) and shares why self-care isn't optional—it's strategic. But the real magic happens when we land on a beautiful reframe that might just change how you think about achievement forever.
Want to see how No-BS OKRs fit into a coherent Connected Strategic Stack?
This No-BS Connected Strategy Guide shows you what “good” looks like. Download examples of finished Connected Strategic Stacks — including best practice No-BS OKRs — and get instant clarity on your next strategic step. Includes a quick self-assessment to pinpoint your organization’s biggest OKR opportunities.
GET THE GUIDE
Episode Highlights:
- Why SMART goals create a restrictive binary that crushes creativity and exploration
- The semantic problems with SMART goal terminology that create confusion and ambiguity
- How "specific" goals create tunnel vision that blocks curiosity and the learning journey
- The SLIC Method: Sustainable, Long-term, Iterative, and Consistent goal-setting
- Why self-care isn't selfish—it's a strategic foundation for sustainable success
- How to reconnect with your body through micro-practices and energy tracking
- The role of grace and compassion when breaking free from binary thinking
- What "queering" business practices means and why it's for everyone
- The beautiful reframe from "goal setting" to "becoming"—asking "What am I becoming?"
- Why consistency means showing up as your needs allow, not the same way every day
- How traditional goal-setting often leads to self-abandonment and disconnection from the body
Key Concepts Explored:
- The binary nature of SMART goals and why they create a restrictive pass/fail mentality
- The SLIC Method as an alternative: Sustainable, Long-term, Iterative, and Consistent goal-setting
- Self-care as a radical act of rebellion against systems that devalue your worth
- "Queering" business practices to move beyond traditional binary frameworks
- The shift from "goal setting" to "becoming" as a more expansive approach to growth
- Body-based awareness and reconnecting with somatic needs during goal pursuit
- Why consistency means showing up according to your capacity, not rigid daily habits
Common Questions Answered:
- Why do SMART goals feel so restrictive and overwhelming?
- What makes the SLIC method different from traditional goal-setting?
- How do you start reconnecting with your body if you feel disconnected?
- What does "queering" goal setting actually mean?
- How do you define consistency without burning out?
- Why is self-care considered strategic rather than selfish?
Notable Quotes:
"SMART goals are very binary. You either succeed or you fail. And I'm not somebody who does the binary very well." - Zeph Williams [00:03:00]
"When I hear 'specific,' it feels like a narrowing down... You don't get to enjoy the journey and enjoying the view." - Zeph Williams [00:07:00]
"Self-care isn't selfish—it's strategic. When you take care of yourself, you are sending a gentle reminder that you matter and that your needs matter." - Zeph Williams [00:11:00]
"What if instead of goal setting, we focused on becoming? What are you becoming?" - Zeph Williams [00:32:00]
"There are just so many people who are brilliant... Sometimes it just feels like the world has just gotten to them and that light has gotten really dim." - Zeph Williams [00:28:00]
Chapters:
[00:00:00] Introduction: Why SMART Goals Need a Rethink
[00:01:30] Meet Zeph: From Career Coaching to SLIC Thinking
[00:04:00] What’s Wrong with SMART Goals? The Limits of Over-Specification
[00:07:30] Beyond Binary Thinking: The Problems with Measurable & Time-Bound
[00:10:00] SLIC Goals: A Kinder Framework for Growth and Learning
[00:13:00] How to Know You’re Making Progress (Without Hitting a Number)
[00:15:30] Clarity Without Rigidity: Why Language Matters in Goal-Setting
[00:18:00] Accountability vs. Shame: Rethinking How We “Check In”
[00:20:30] Zeph’s Coaching Practice: How SLIC Supports Real Transformation
[00:24:00] Choosing Goals That Align With Your Values and Energy
[00:27:00] When Goal-Setting Feels Like Self-Punishment
[00:29:30] The Long Game: Creating Systems That Evolve With You
[00:32:00] SLIC in Practice: Real Examples from Zeph’s Clients
[00:35:00] How to Get Started with SLIC Thinking
[00:38:00] Wrap-Up: Connect with Zeph and Learn More
Guest Information:
- Zephyr Williams is an anti-hustle business strategist showing radical business owners how to build breathe-easy businesses that make their brains happy and let their bodies breathe. With a background in criminal justice policy and prison abolition work, Zeph brings a unique perspective on dismantling harmful systems and creating space for everyone to thrive.
Connect with Zeph:
Sara’s Links and Resources:
Upcoming Events:
- Catch Sara at the World OKR Summit! She’ll be speaking this October 30–31: okrsummit.org
Find full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers .
Thinkydoers®