In this enlightening episode of Passion Struck, weโre joined by Caroline Adams Miller, a trailblazing positive psychology expert and author of Big Goals. With a career spanning decades of research, coaching, and personal transformation, Caroline takes us on a journey to uncover the science behind setting and achieving meaningful goals that lead to flourishing lives.
Caroline reveals strategies beyond ambition, offering actionable frameworks like the BRIDGE methodology to help you overcome obstacles, stay motivated, and accomplish the goals that truly matter. From leveraging the science of grit and resilience to understanding how goal-setting theory can transform your person
“Goal approaches like SMART goals and the Law of Attraction. They should be dead by now, but they’re just zombies walking around. They don’t work. Let’s kill them off!”
Caroline Adams Miller
How to Achieve Big Goals with Caroline Adams Miller
Drawing from her latest book, Big Goals, Caroline reveals the strategies that go beyond ambition, offering actionable frameworks like the BRIDGE methodology to help you overcome obstacles, stay motivated, and accomplish the goals that truly matter. From leveraging the science of grit and resilience to understanding how goal-setting theory can transform your personal and professional life, this conversation is a masterclass in turning aspirations into achievements.
Caroline shares personal stories and real-world insights, including how her groundbreaking work on positive psychology connects the pursuit of success with happiness. She also sheds light on her other influential works, including Creating Your Best Life and Getting Grit, inspiring leaders, organizations, and individuals to unlock their full potential.
Whether you’re aiming for career advancement, personal transformation, or a new approach to tackling lifeโs challenges, this episode will equip you with the tools, mindset, and inspiration needed to take charge of your future.
In this episode, we’ll cover:
- Curiosity is Key: Embrace curiosity and the willingness to learn, as it can reignite your passion and sense of purpose, regardless of your age or stage in life.
- Learning vs. Performance Goals: Understand the distinction between learning goals and performance goals. Learning goals require a growth mindset and patience, while performance goals can lead to frustration if not approached correctly.
- Role Models Matter: Seek out relatable role models who inspire you. Having mentors or figures who have successfully navigated similar challenges can significantly boost your self-efficacy.
- Feedback is Crucial: Organizations must provide accurate and constructive feedback to individuals pursuing big goals. This support is essential for maintaining motivation and ensuring progress.
- Gender Bias in Goal-Setting: Recognize the biases that exist in goal-setting practices, particularly how women are often penalized for ambition. Creating equitable systems can empower everyone to pursue big goals.
- Giving Back Enhances Joy: Engaging in acts of service and helping others can cultivate joy and fulfillment, reinforcing the importance of community in achieving personal goals.
WHY IS THIS EPISODE WITH CAROLINE ADAMS MILLER A MUST-LISTEN?
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the dynamics of setting and achieving big goals. Caroline Adams Miller’s insights into the science of goal-setting, combined with her personal experiences, provide listeners with actionable strategies to overcome obstacles and pursue their passions. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your career, seeking personal growth, or striving to make a meaningful impact, this conversation offers valuable lessons that can inspire you to take bold steps toward your big goals.
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR FEATURED RESOURCES
Thank You, BIOptimizers, For Sponsoring
This November, BIOptimizers is offering an exclusive Black Friday BLOWOUT! Get discounts on all their amazing productsโincluding Magnesium Breakthroughโplus up to $100 in free gifts. Donโt miss out! Visit https://bioptimizers.com/passion to shop now
Thank You, Hims, For Sponsoring
Hims: Regrow your hair before itโs too late! Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK.
Thank You, Mint Mobile, For Sponsoring
Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at โMINT MOBILE dot com slash PASSION.โ
Thank You, Rosetta Stone, For Sponsoring
Unlock 25 languages for life at โROSETTASTONE.com/passionstruck.โ
Thank You, Prolon, For Sponsoring
Reset your health with 15% off at โProlonLife.com/passionstruck.โ
STARTER PACKS
Are you new to the show? These Starter Packs are collections of our most popular episodes grouped by topic, and we now have them on Spotify.
You can also browse starter packs for existing listeners to find your old favorites. Every week, John interviews everyday heroes from all walks of life. Learn how to subscribe to the show and never miss a new episode and topic.
Like this? Please subscribe and join me on my new YouTube platform for peak performance, life coaching, and personal mastery.
Challenging Traditional Goal Setting Approaches: A New Perspective from Caroline Adams Miller
During the insightful Passion Struck Podcast conversation, successful goal-setting expert Caroline Adams Miller explained how traditional goal-setting approaches, particularly the widely accepted SMART goals framework, often fall short of delivering meaningful results. Caroline emphasized that the SMART acronym, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, was created in the 1980s by consultant George Doran and lacks a solid scientific foundation. She called it a “jargon mishmash syndrome,” noting that the acronym can mean different things across various contexts and cultures, ultimately undermining its effectiveness.
Instead of relying on this outdated model, Caroline advocates for a more nuanced understanding of goal setting that incorporates the latest research in positive psychology and goal-setting theory. In her book, “Big Goals: The Science of Setting Them, Achieving Them, Creating Your Best Life,” she introduces her BRIDGE framework, which blends scientific principles with practical strategies to help individuals set and achieve transformative goals.
Caroline argues that many people confuse performance goals with learning goals, leading to frustration and failure. She highlights the importance of recognizing that overcoming challenges, such as addiction or personal struggles, often requires a learning mindset rather than a rigid performance metric. By understanding the distinction between these goals, individuals can cultivate resilience and a growth mindset, which are essential for long-term success.
Caroline’s insights challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding goal setting and encourage listeners to embrace a more evidence-based approach that prioritizes emotional well-being and personal growth. This fresh perspective empowers individuals to pursue their ambitions and fosters a deeper understanding of what it truly means to set and achieve meaningful goals in today’s complex world.
THANKS, Caroline Adams Miller
If you enjoyed this interview with Caroline Adams Miller, let her know by clicking on the link below and sending her a quick shout on Instagram:
Click here to show Caroline Adams your thoughts about todayโs episode on Instagram
Click here to let John R. Miles know about your number one takeaway from this episode!
If you want us to answer your questions or you want John to discuss a topic on one of our upcoming Momentum Friday episodes, drop us a line at [email protected].
RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH CAROLINE ADAMS MILLER
Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. Itโs just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!
- Caroline Adams Miller’s Website
- Caroline Adams Miller’s Instagram
- Caroline Adams Miller’s LinkedIn
- BUY Caroline Adams Book: https://amzn.to/3OXSK6O
- Passion Struck Core Value System: https://passionstruck.com/the-passion-struck-core-belief-system/
- Listen to Passion Struckโs interviews with New York Times bestselling authors Gretchen Rubin and Seth Godin.
- Check out Passion Struckโs Episode Starter Packs on Spotify or Passion Struck starter packs to get started with the podcast.
My solo episode on The 6 Key Steps to Bold Risk-Taking for Personal Growth
My episode with Heather Moyse on How to Create a Gold Medal Mindset
Listen to my interview with Thomas Curran on Breaking Free From the Perfection Trap
Watch my episode with Rebecca Rosen on Unveiling Your Divine Purpose
Catch my interview with Jessica Kriegel on How to Build an Intentional Workplace
About Todayโs Guest, Caroline Adams
Caroline Adams Miller is a renowned positive psychologist, best-selling author, and a leading expert in the science of goal-setting, grit, and success. With over three decades of experience, Caroline has transformed the way individuals and organizations approach personal and professional growth. She is a graduate of Harvard University and was one of the first students in the University of Pennsylvania’s groundbreaking Masters of Applied Positive Psychology program.
Caroline’s latest book, Big Goals: The Science of Setting Them, Achieving Them, Creating Your Best Life, challenges traditional notions of goal-setting and introduces a research-backed framework designed to help individuals accomplish transformative goals. Her work emphasizes the importance of emotional flourishing and the role of self-efficacy in achieving success.
Throughout her career, Caroline has been a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and empowerment, particularly for women. She has authored several influential books, including Creating Your Best Life, which was the first mass-market goal-setting book to incorporate scientific research. Caroline’s insights have been instrumental in reshaping the conversation around goal-setting, making it accessible and applicable to a diverse audience.
Follow John R. Miles On Social
* Twitter: https://twitter.com/Milesjohnr
* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnrmiles.c0m
* Medium: https://medium.com/@JohnRMilesโ
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_r_milesacks for existing listeners to find your old favorites. Every week, John interviews everyday heroes from all walks of life. Learn how to subscribe to the show and never miss a new episode and topic.
Like this? Please subscribe and join me on my