Episode 395: Should You Set Goals? The Truth About What Works
Discover whether goal-setting sabotages or supercharges your success.
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SHOW NOTES
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Episode Number: 395
Episode Title: Should You Set Goals? The Truth About What Works
Here's what nobody wants to admit about goal setting - it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. While the "gurus" are screaming at you to set bigger, bolder goals, some of the most successful people I know have thrown traditional goal-setting out the window completely. In this episode, we're diving into both sides of this heated debate so you can finally figure out what actually works for YOUR personality and situation.
Podcast Highlights:
[01:07] The truth about why most people's goals fail
[01:55] Benefits of goal setting
[03:54] Sarah's simple savings strategy that actually worked (and why)
[04:23] Goal setting setbacks nobody talks about - stress, tunnel vision, and ethical shortcuts
[05:18] Why goals might be killing your natural motivation and joy
[07:08] Pascale’s take on goal setting
[07:32] How to know whether goal setting is right for you or not.
[08:27] End of conversation
Resources:
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Connect with Pascale Gibon:
Website: www.pascalegibon.com
Email: www.pascalegibon.com/contact
Should You Set Goals? The Truth About What Works
This episode tackles the controversial question that divides productivity experts everywhere: Are goals essential for success or holding you back? We explore the compelling arguments for goal-setting (direction, motivation, performance) and the surprising case against them (stress, tunnel vision, reduced enjoyment). Most importantly, you'll discover how to determine which approach aligns with your unique personality and life season.
Table of Contents
- Arguments For Goal Setting
- Arguments Against Goal Setting
- The Personal Take on Goal Clarity
- Finding Your Natural Rhythm
- Conclusion
Arguments For Goal Setting
Here's where goal-setting shines - and why millions swear by it. Goals give you crystal-clear direction when everything else feels chaotic. They help you prioritize what matters instead of spinning your wheels on busy work that gets you nowhere. Plus, there's real research backing this up - people who set specific, challenging goals consistently outperform those who just "wing it." Take Sarah's vacation savings example: she wanted that family trip abroad but had zero funds. By setting a monthly savings target, she could track progress, adjust when needed, and make her dream happen through small, consistent actions.
Arguments Against Goal Setting
But here's the flip side that'll make you think twice. Goals can become stress monsters that eat away your self-esteem when you don't hit those targets. Worse yet, they can push you toward unethical shortcuts or risky behaviour to check that box. Ever notice how something you used to love doing becomes a total chore once you turn it into a goal? That's your intrinsic motivation getting crushed. And here's the kicker - focusing too hard on end results makes you miss the daily habits and systems that drive success. Plus, tunnel vision from rigid goals can blind you to incredible opportunities right in front of your face.
The Personal Take on Goal Clarity
Look, I love the clarity that comes from setting goals. But here's where most people get stuck - they set goals with good intentions and hope for the best. Without supportive systems like task management tools, accountability partners, or rock-solid daily habits, you're setting yourself up to drift and lose momentum. One mentor perfectly said, "You need a compass - because without it, any road will get you to your destination." But your compass doesn't need to be a traditional goal. It could be a vision, a feeling, a core value, or a natural rhythm that guides your decisions.
Finding Your Natural Rhythm
Whether you set goals or not depends entirely on your personality, life experience, and what season you're in right now. Some people flourish with structure and clear targets. Others bloom when they have the freedom to flow and adapt. The key is honouring what aligns with who you are, not what some expert says you "should" do. Ask yourself this week: "What do I need more of right now - clarity and structure, or freedom through flow?" Whatever answer comes up, trust it. You know what you need better than anyone else.
Conclusion
The goal-setting debate isn't about finding the "right" answer but finding YOUR answer. Whether you thrive on structured objectives or prefer intuitive flow, the most important thing is choosing an approach that energizes rather than drains you. Remember, the journey toward what you want is often just as transformative as getting there. Trust your instincts, honour your natural rhythms, and permit yourself to succeed in whatever feels most authentic.
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ABOUT PASCALE
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As an intuitive 'Change Catalyst' with over two decades of experience in energy healing, personal growth and life coaching, Pascale has mastered helping women rediscover their magic. Think of her as your personal freedom coach with a heart-centred approach and a proven track record of transformation.
Here's what makes her approach different:
Her approach is not just coaching – it's a unique blend of intuitive guidance, practical strategies, and deep transformational work that consistently delivers results. As an empath and healer, she sees what others miss. She helps you view your life from a higher perspective, reignite your joy, and pursue your dreams with unwavering confidence.
Her secret sauce?
It combines heart-warming support with structured transformation. There is no fluff, just proven pathways to the profound positive shifts you crave.
Want to know what she believes with all her heart?
True transformation starts within. When you reconnect with your soul's purpose and listen to your heart's wisdom, magic happens. You unlock your full potential and create a life that lights you up. She believes in your potential to make this magic happen.
Meet Pascale at pascalegibon.com.
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FULL TRANSCRIPT
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Hello, beautiful souls,
Welcome back to The Everyday Life Balance Show. I'm Pascale Gibon, your host. Thank you for tuning in. Today's episode invites us to pause and reflect on something we often feel we "should" be doing: setting goals.
But here's the truth: there are different paths to growth and fulfilment. Some thrive on clear objectives, structure, and direction, while others feel stifled by rigid goalposts and prefer to flow intuitively through life's seasons.
In this episode, we'll explore both perspectives so that you can choose what resonates most deeply with your experience. What matters is not what others say you "should" do but discovering what works best for you.
Let's dive in.
There are two schools of thought regarding goal setting. One believes goals are essential for progress and achievement, while the other argues that goals are unnecessary or even counterproductive.
Let's explore the key arguments from both sides so that you can make an informed decision based on your experience, preferences and energy.
Let's begin with what makes goal setting feel empowering for many of us.
Argument for Goal Setting
1. Goals Provide Direction and Clarity
One of the most valuable aspects of setting goals is that it helps us clarify what we want to achieve and gives us a sense of direction, focus and purpose.
They help us prioritise what matters, break large tasks into manageable steps, and track our progress. Achieving the goals we set builds our self-confidence and gives us something to celebrate.
2. Goals Boost Motivation and Accountability
Goals give us something concrete to strive for, help us maintain momentum, and hold ourselves accountable.
3. Goals Enhances Productivity and Performance
Research shows that people who set specific, challenging goals perform better than those who don't. A clear target often leads to focused effort and improved results.
4. Goals Encourage Self-Reflection and Growth
Setting and pursuing goals gives us the chance to assess our strengths and challenges. We grow as we stretch, and remember, the journey towards a goal is often just as transformative as reaching it.
Let's take a simple example:
Sarah dreams of taking her family on a holiday abroad but doesn't yet have the funds. If she sets a monthly savings goal, she can track her progress and adjust as needed. If she falls short one month, she can try again the next. The clarity of the goal, combined with small, consistent actions, helps bring her vision to life.
Now that we've discussed why goal setting is essential, what if setting goals becomes a source of stress or disconnection? Let's explore this perspective, too.
Arguments Against Goal Setting
1. Goals Can Cause Stress and Pressure
For some, setting goals creates pressure and anxiety. When we don't meet our targets, it can lead to self-doubt and frustration. This is especially true with highly ambitious or rigid goals.
2. Goals May Lead to Unethical or Risky Behaviour
A narrow focus on achieving a specific outcome can sometimes push individuals or organisations to cut corners or ignore important, unmeasured aspects of well-being.
3. Goals Can Reduce Enjoyment and Intrinsic Motivation
When everything becomes about outcomes, we may lose touch with the joy of the process. What once felt exciting, an enjoyable pursuit or creative can start to feel like a chore.
4. Goals Can Overemphasise Results Over Process
Focusing too much on end results can cause us to overlook the importance of building good, consistent habits and supportive systems. Systems-oriented thinkers argue that consistent daily actions and routines—not distant goals—truly drive success.
5. Goals May Create Tunnel Vision
Having a fixed goal can sometimes prevent us from seeing unexpected opportunities. It can also limit flexibility and lead to poor decisions or missed opportunities if we ignore what's happening outside our defined objectives.
Summary
Here is a summary of the benefits of goal setting:
- Provides direction and clarity
- Increases motivation and accountability
- Enhances productivity and performance
- Encourages reflection and personal growth
The challenges of goal setting:
- Can cause stress or harm self-esteem
- May lead to unethical shortcuts
- Reduces enjoyment and intrinsic motivation
- Overemphasises outcomes over process
Can create tunnel vision
My Take
I love the clarity that comes from setting goals.
But here's where I see most of us getting stuck: we set goals with good intentions and hope for the best.
Without supportive systems – like task management tools, accountability, or daily habits – it's easy to drift or lose momentum.
One of my mentors used to say: "You need a compass - because without it, any road will get you to your destination. But your compass doesn't need to be a goal. It could be a vision, a feeling, a value, or a rhythm that guides you.
A Gentle Reflection
Whether or not you set goals will depend on your personality, lived experience and your season of life.
Some flourish with structure, while others bloom in flow. The key is to honour what feels aligned with you.
As you reflect this week, ask yourself: "What do I need more of right now? - clarity and structure, or freedom through flow? Whatever your answer, let it rise gently. Trust that you know what you need.
Until next week, I'm sending you lots of love and light. Please take some time this week to reflect on your relationship with goal-setting. What has worked for you in the past? What hasn't? And most importantly, what feels right for you now?