Lessons from a Quitter

Goli Kalkhoran
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Jan 27, 2026 • 20min

You picked your goal...now what?

In this episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we conclude our series on goal-setting by tackling the often-overlooked yet critical step: what to do after setting your goal. I share actionable tips to break your goal into manageable steps, focus on short-term milestones, and embrace the inevitable challenges along the way. You'll learn why expecting inconsistency is key, how to avoid all-or-nothing thinking, and the importance of weekly evaluations to adapt and improve. If you're ready to build momentum and finally achieve your goals, this episode will provide the tools and mindset shifts you need to succeed.
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Jan 20, 2026 • 24min

The side effects of your goals

They rethink goal-setting and why common advice creates shame. They compare destination goals with journey goals and highlight identity change through practice. They use a marathon and business examples to show how goals build skills and confidence. They explore ripple effects on family and community and why hardship fuels real growth.
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Jan 13, 2026 • 19min

REPLAY: Only pick one goal

This week on Lessons from a Quitter, we continue our three-part miniseries on redefining goal setting. We break down the pitfalls of traditional approaches to goals and advocate for focusing on just one priority per year. Learn how this strategy builds self-trust, minimizes overwhelm, and creates lasting habits. Whether you're juggling personal and professional ambitions or battling self-doubt, this episode will inspire you to set meaningful goals without sacrificing your well-being. Plus, hear more about the upcoming "Goals That Stick" workshop, a full-day event designed to help you master goal-setting for sustainable success.
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Jan 6, 2026 • 28min

REPLAY: How to Properly Set Goals to Actually Achieve your Dreams

A breakdown of how to set goals the right way and why mindset matters before tactics. A case for 90-day goals, limiting to three, and turning them into monthly and weekly tasks. Tips on prioritizing the 20% that drives results and scheduling protected time for high-impact work. Practical methods like SMART criteria and small consistent actions that compound over time.
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Dec 30, 2025 • 26min

Reflection on 7 years of podcasting

In this deeply personal farewell episode, I reflect on seven years of Lessons from a Quitter as I step into a 2026 sabbatical—unsure what comes next. I share why this podcast was worth starting long before it was "successful," and how creating something scary reshaped my confidence, career, and life. We unpack letting go of metrics, redefining success, building meaningful community, and why you don't need to be an expert to begin. This episode is an invitation to honor your curiosity, trust the messy middle, and finally start the thing you can't stop thinking about.
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Dec 23, 2025 • 26min

Top 10 Lessons From a Quitter

Discover ten transformative lessons about embracing change and self-compassion. Learn why burnout isn’t a personal failure and how mistakes are just part of being human. Understand that life is a blend of joy and challenges, and it's normal to not have everything figured out. Explore the importance of mindset in achieving personal growth, and how changing your mind reflects wisdom. This conversation invites you to redesign your life and encourages you to be gentler with yourself as you navigate decisions about quitting and staying.
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Dec 16, 2025 • 36min

Why I'm Taking a Sabbatical (And What Comes Next)

In this deeply personal episode, I share why I decided to take a sabbatical after seven years of building Lessons from a Quitter. I unpack what burnout actually looked like for me, the many possible reasons behind it, and why the "why" ultimately mattered less than listening to what I needed. We talk about uncertainty, privilege, identity, people-pleasing, and the fear of stopping when things aren't broken. This episode is an honest reflection on letting go of what's good, creating space to rest and rethink, and trusting yourself enough to pause—even without a clear next plan.
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Dec 9, 2025 • 28min

Stop Rushing Your Life: The Truth About Goal Setting

In this discussion, listeners are urged to reconsider the rush toward achievement. The host shares her personal philosophy of selecting just one meaningful goal each year to enhance life's richness. She highlights the dangers of over-goal-setting, warning that it breeds self-criticism and hampers joy. The conversation challenges the 'I'll be happy when' mindset, emphasizing the importance of savoring the present. By asking, 'What's my rush?', individuals can reconnect with their current experiences and choose goals that truly foster presence and enjoyment.
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Dec 2, 2025 • 23min

The Paradox of Choice: Why More Options Make Us Miserable

In this episode, we dive into the hidden reason so many of us stay stuck: the paradox of choice. In a world overflowing with career paths, business ideas, and "perfect" next steps, too many options can keep us spinning in fear of choosing wrong. I talk about why our brains get overwhelmed, how endless possibilities dilute satisfaction, and how this shows up when we're burnt out and unsure of our next move. More importantly, I walk you through building the skill of making confident decisions, embracing "good enough," and moving forward without regret so you can finally redesign a life you love.
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Nov 25, 2025 • 26min

Stop Judging Your Productivity: Understand Your Capacity

In this week's episode, we explore one of the most important—and most overlooked—keys to redesigning a life you love: honoring your own capacity. As I prepare for my upcoming sabbatical, I reflect on why so many high-achievers feel broken when they can't operate like everyone else. Using stories from my son's soccer team and my own burnout, I break down how our brains, bodies, and nervous systems are uniquely wired. When we stop fighting who we are and start working with our natural rhythms, we can make clearer decisions, reduce shame, and build a life that actually fits.

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