Podcast Summary: Help Wanted – The Greatest Mistake People Make When Setting Goals
Episode Overview
In the January 2, 2025 episode of "Help Wanted," hosted by Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur magazine, and money expert Nicole Lapin, listeners are guided through the intricacies of effective goal setting. Titled "The Greatest Mistake People Make When Setting Goals," this episode delves into the common pitfalls individuals encounter when establishing their aspirations and provides actionable strategies to set meaningful, attainable goals.
1. Understanding the Challenge of Goal Setting
Jason Feifer opens the discussion by acknowledging the universal experience of setting goals for the year ahead. He highlights that while many individuals have ambitions and objectives, the path to achieving them often remains unclear. Feifer states:
“You have goals you want to accomplish. You have things that you are striving for, but you're not sure exactly how to reach them...” (00:28)
This uncertainty can stem from previous goals falling short or the unpredictability of future circumstances. Feifer's mission in this episode is to illuminate the process of setting realistic and achievable goals by identifying and avoiding common mistakes.
2. The Pitfall of Outcome-Based Goals
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the prevalent mistake of setting outcome-based goals. Feifer illustrates this by sharing a recurring goal he hears from various individuals:
“My goal is to be on the cover of Entrepreneur magazine.” (02:25)
He points out that such goals are problematic because they lack specificity and actionable steps. Outcome-based goals are often subjective and not directly controllable by the individual, leading to potential frustration and a sense of failure if the desired outcome isn't achieved.
3. Outcomes vs. Actions: The Core Distinction
Feifer emphasizes the critical difference between focusing on outcomes and concentrating on actions:
“You cannot control an outcome, but you can control your actions.” (05:45)
He explains that while outcomes are influenced by external factors beyond one's control, actions are within one's sphere of influence. This distinction is crucial because measuring success based on controllable actions fosters a sense of accomplishment and progression, irrespective of the ultimate outcome.
4. Personal Insights: From Outcome to Action
Drawing from his personal experiences, Feifer shares his approach to goal setting during the launch of his book. Instead of aiming for a specific outcome like making it onto the New York Times bestseller list, he focused on actionable steps:
“My goal was to write a book that I was proud of and that would matter to people.” (05:45)
This shift from outcome to action allowed him to concentrate on aspects he could control, such as the quality of his writing and promotional efforts, leading to personal fulfillment despite not achieving the specific outcome he initially desired.
5. Crafting Action-Based Goals: Practical Framework
Feifer provides a practical framework for setting action-based goals, encouraging listeners to structure their objectives around specific actions they can take. He recommends beginning goal statements with:
“This year I’m going to...”
Followed by a concrete action. For example:
- “This year I’m going to take my newsletter seriously.”
- “This year I’m going to work a little less and see more people.”
- “This year I’m going to push hard on my speaking business.”
By focusing on actions rather than outcomes, individuals can track their progress based on their efforts and initiatives, leading to a more sustainable and motivating approach to goal attainment.
6. Personal Success Through Action-Based Goals
Feifer reflects on the success derived from his commitment to action-based goals. He discusses the development of his newsletter, "One Thing Better," which originated from his dedication to consistent action. He notes:
“Because of that, I am not measuring myself against some arbitrary number. Instead, I'm measuring myself against my own efforts.” (09:35)
This perspective allowed him to take pride in his accomplishments without being tethered to external validations, reinforcing the effectiveness of action-based goals.
7. Encouragement and Moving Forward
In concluding the episode, Feifer encourages listeners to embrace action-based goal setting. He emphasizes personal control and the importance of driving one's own progress:
“You are in control. You drive it forward. You can make it great. One action at a time and the outcome, well, that will follow.” (09:50)
Feifer invites listeners to subscribe to his newsletter, "One Thing Better," for further insights and to join a community focused on continuous improvement and meaningful achievement.
Notable Quotes
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Jason Feifer: “My goal is to be on the cover of Entrepreneur magazine.” (02:25)
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Jason Feifer: “You cannot control an outcome, but you can control your actions.” (05:45)
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Jason Feifer: “Because of that, I am not measuring myself against some arbitrary number. Instead, I'm measuring myself against my own efforts.” (09:35)
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Jason Feifer: “You are in control. You drive it forward. You can make it great. One action at a time and the outcome, well, that will follow.” (09:50)
Conclusion
This episode of "Help Wanted" provides a transformative approach to goal setting by advocating for a focus on actionable steps rather than ambiguous outcomes. Jason Feifer’s insights, backed by personal experience, offer listeners a clear pathway to setting and achieving goals that are both meaningful and attainable, fostering personal growth and professional success.
Timestamps
- 00:28: Introduction to Goal Setting
- 02:25: The Common Outcome-Based Goal
- 05:45: Understanding Outcomes vs. Actions
- 07:55: Setting Action-Based Goals
- 09:35: Personal Success with Action-Based Goals
- 09:50: Encouragement and Final Thoughts
Note: For direct access to the episode and more insightful content, subscribe to the "One Thing Better" newsletter or reach out via helpwanted@moneynewsnetwork.com.